2025 Digital Communication 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 a Digital Communication Undergraduate Intern for the Digital Communications Implementation Department (DCID) within the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED).  This position will be 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.

DCID uses software-defined radios and FPGA technology to develop advanced communication and navigation system prototypes that solve our customer’s most challenging problems related to digital communication systems.

Main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division. The division comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communication systems.

Work Model:

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and implement advanced signal processing algorithms with applications to GPS/GNSS receivers, communication transceivers and/or digital signal processing primarily on FPGA hardware.

• Analysis of signal processing performance using MATLAB, Python, or similar simulation environments.

• Prototype cutting-edge real-time systems for emulation and proof of concepts.

• Research pertaining to advanced signal processing, GPS technology and/or re-configurable communication systems.

• Tasking will vary during the internship and may include simultaneous projects.

• Training and mentorship will be provided in this position.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled as a full-time student in an advanced degree in an accredited college/university program in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer engineering, electrical engineering or other related discipline.

• GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 GPA scale)

• 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.

• Coursework or experience with development and/or use of computer code and/or technical software tools such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB

• Comfortable using Windows and/or Linux OS

• Develop and implement advanced signal processing algorithms with applications to GPS/GNSS receivers, communication transceivers and/or digital signal processing in hardware or in software.

• This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance which is issued by the U.S. 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:

• Direct experience with hardware description languages such as VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog

• Experience in a lab environment with test equipment.

• Course work in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and/or Communication Theory

• Ability to take direction, work independently, and seek help when appropriate.

• Ability to document, present, and communicate technical work.

• GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 GPA scale)

                                          

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.