2025 Battery Research Scientist Undergraduate 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 Undergraduate Battery Research Scientist Intern for an opportunity in El Segundo, CA.  

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise. 
 

The qualified candidate will become part of the Physical Sciences Laboratories, Energy Technology Department, Battery Test Lab, supporting the test and evaluation of spacecraft cells and batteries for flight programs. Work will involve hands-on, battery-related laboratory work to support ongoing research and satellite energy storage applications. An overall goal in this work is to develop an understanding of next-generation energy storage technologies, including solid-state batteries and silicon anodes.

Work Model 

This is a full time internship position based in El Segundo, CA which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians in ongoing material and electrochemical research

• You will apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks, including:

  • Fabricating prototype electrochemical cells

  • Performing electrochemical characterization on Lithium-ion batteries

  • Setting up new tests and experiments

  • Monitoring cell charge/discharge tests

• You will also be analyzing, organizing, and summarizing test data

• You may develop code for efficient analysis, trending, and modeling of Lithium-ion performance and degradation

• Training and mentorship will be provided 

What You Need to be Successful

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related discipline

• Minimum GPA of 3.0  

• Experience operating in a laboratory environment

• Experience in electrochemical research

• Experience with simple mechanical tools, such as screwdrivers, wire strippers, and crimpers

• This position requires 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  

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• Active security clearance 

• Experience with battery prototype fabrication equipment, such as pouch sealer or isostatic press

• Experience in battery testing/cycling, battery research, or battery modeling

• Experience with analysis equipment such as SEM, XED, or RAMAN

• Experience with developing, troubleshooting, and executing programs (for example for data analysis or modeling) using Python, Java, Matlab or other high-level programming language

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)

$25.00 - $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.