2025 RF / Antenna Undergrad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an RF/Antenna Undergrad Intern for the Antenna Systems Department (ASD) within the Communications Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED). This position is located in El Segundo, CA.

Job Summary

The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on.  Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

The Antenna Systems Department (ASD) is dedicated to solving challenging antenna problems pertaining to space vehicles, ground systems and user equipment in support of civil, commercial, and national security space systems. ASD utilizes electromagnetic simulation tools and multiple antenna test capabilities in designing and evaluating the performance of antennas systems.

ASD uses 3D electromagnetic simulation software like HFSS, CST Microwave Studio and GRASP to design and analyze antennas and other components. ASD has multiple antenna test capabilities to help solve our customers’ most challenging antenna aperture problems for space vehicles, ground systems and user equipment. Our group has supported the Aerospace CubeSat  program since the beginning and we work hand in hand with iLab and xLab on exciting CubeSat missions. Come join us to help define the next antenna architectures for space.

RF/Antenna Undergrad Intern will support the design, simulation, fabrication and testing of antenna prototypes and concepts. This role involves hands-on RF and antenna testing in multiple antenna ranges.  

Work Model

This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Participating in studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions in antenna design and measurement

• Performing antenna development and measurement including fabrication of antennas, construction of antenna mockups and range configuration

• Operating network analyzers, spectrum analyzers and various RF test measurement equipment

• Utilizing electromagnetic simulation software tools for antenna design and analysis.

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Must work well in a team environment 

• Possess organizational, time and project management skills 

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 

• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations. 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related engineering or physics disciplines

• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.

• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date 

• RF/Antenna related coursework

• Minimum GPA of 3.0  

• Experience with MATLAB, Python or similar language for numerical computing and automating test equipment `

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• GPA of 3.5 or higher 

• Active security clearance 

• Experience with electromagnetic software tools such as Ansys HFSS, CST Studio Suite or FEKO

• Experience with microwave test equipment such as network analyzers and spectrum analyzers.

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$26.00 - $30.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.