2026 Spacecraft and Ground Concept Design Undergraduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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 youll be part of a special collection of problem solvers thought leaders and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Enterprise Effects Division Description

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospaces strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs customers and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects.

Vehicle Ground Concepts Department Description

The Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis modeling process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD you will be designing innovative space vehicle and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force Intelligence Community NASA NOAA and commercial/international customers.

What Youll Be Doing

As an undergraduate intern in the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) youll be:

• Supporting early-stage design studies for spacecraft/ground concepts; types of studies can include both small individual efforts as well as larger multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts.
• Assisting with development maintenance and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft design and analysis activities.
• Collaborating with and learning from VGCD staff program office personnel as well as other members of Aerospaces engineering group including the large cohort of Aerospace interns.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility in El Segundo CA or Chantilly VA

What You Need to be Successful

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate program pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering or a 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.

• Junior class standing completed by internship start date

• Some knowledge of and/or relevant coursework in spacecraft subsystems ground systems design system engineering aerospace engineering mechanical engineering computer science or other related topics.
• A desire to work on both individual efforts as well as in large multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment; this also requires proficiency with office and collaboration tools such as MS Office
• 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.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment adapt quickly to changing priorities and balance projects with conflicting time demands.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools and programming languages including one or more of the following: MATLAB Python Simulink STK C VBA SolidWorks Cameo or similar.
• Strong demonstrated personal initiative.
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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)

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 various backgrounds and all walks of life yet one thing bonds all of us to each otherthe 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 equalopportunity employer. 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 colorreligiongeneticinformation 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 youre 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 emailat .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.