2025 Nuclear Systems Engineering Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Graduate-level Nuclear Systems Engineering Intern.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, the Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. 

Work Model

This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in Albuquerque, NM.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Interact directly with local Aerospace personnel, local program office customers, and collaborate with Aerospace personnel in other locations

• Collaborate with Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group and Civil Systems Group teams to support activities within the NNSA Office of Systems Engineering and Integration across NNSA Weapons Life Extension Programs

• Research historical missions and chart to current technology implementations

• Participate in reviews of NNSA Phase X and Phase 6.X programs

• Conduct systems studies and analyses that support technical, programmatic, and organizational decision-making

• Provide general engineering support to the program office teams to meet customer goals

• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

• Training and mentorship will be provided

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Must work well in a team environment 

• Possess organizational, time management 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 Master's or Ph.D. degree in in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering or related discipline

• 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

• First year of graduate school completed by internship start date

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Prior space-related or nuclear weapons related experience for a US government agency or contractor

• 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 DOE Q security clearance

• Work or volunteer experience with leadership responsibilities

• Experience as a part of a STEM related project team (eg FIRST Robotics, research team, design project)

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT),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, SWFT companies have pledged to significantly increase the number of diverse interns hired and fostering inclusive pathways to provide preparation, development and mentorship to students. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program. 

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.