2025 Structural Engineering Graduate 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 Graduate-level Structural Engineering Intern for an opportunity in El Segundo, CA.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.  

The Structural Systems Section provides technical expertise in the fields of stage propulsion structural systems for launch and space vehicles developed across the industry, advanced structural analysis, and fracture mechanics. We specialize in the development of technical assessments to help inform customer decisions, including design guidance, industry standards, and evaluations of flightworthiness of National Security Space Launch vehicles.

WORK MODEL:

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Learning about the evaluation of launch vehicle structures including plumbing, bellows, valves, pressurized components, pressurized structures, composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) and LV/SV interfaces 

• Helping assess the strength, fracture-life, structural integrity, and stability of launch vehicle structures subject to combined mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads 

• Visiting local contractors to get hands-on experience with flight hardware

• Developing novel software capabilities that facilitate the support of contractor hardware acceptance reviews

• Assisting in the development of documentation for launch vehicle certification activities
   

WHAT CORPORATE SKILLS YOU BRING:

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Must work well in a team environment

• Must possess strong organizational and time management skills

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need

• Interpersonal skills to work with other internal and external organizations

• Demonstrate behavior that is consistent with the company’s values of Dedication to Mission Success, Technical Excellence, Commitment to Our People, Objectivity and Integrity, and Innovation

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Masters or PhD Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Systems Engineering, and other STEM related disciplines

• Coursework relevant to concepts in one or more of the following: finite element analysis, launch vehicle structures and/or advanced structural mechanics

• Experience with flight hardware – design, analysis or hands-on are all acceptable

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; US 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 GTAW/TIG welding

• Experience with ANSYS Workbench, Abaqus, HyperWorks, Nastran, NASGRO, C, C++, HTML, Python, Matlab or JAVA 

• Experience in developing and delivering presentations

• Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects 

• Experience in working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch 

• Software/hardware design, development, unit testing, and integration experience 

• Participation in extracurricular activities related to your field of study

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce 2030, a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and diversifying opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, the Space Workforce 2030 companies have pledged to increase the number of females, diverse employees, and interns with a goal to hire at least 3,000 interns by the summer of 2030. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program. 

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)

$32.00 - $42.00

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.