2026 Electro-Optical Sensor Performance Grad 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.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Electro-Optical Sensor PerformanceGrad Intern position for the Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD) a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. This position is based in El Segundo CA.

Job Summary

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD) we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our countrys space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics sensors radar artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense intelligence community and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department supports passive electro-optical remote sensing payload development and test with design and analysis. Projects range from short-turnaround prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support. System design concepts are developed and analyzed against mission a concurrent engineering environment systems are evaluated collaboratively from an optical thermal and structural perspective to determine on-orbit performance.

Work Model:

100% Onsite: This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo CA.

What Youll Be Doing

Provide support to technical teams that are responsible for the following:

• Generating novel remote sensing payload concepts to meet evolving customer requirements.

• Performance analysis of passive remote sensing electro-optical sensor systems for assessing proposed designs and developing technical performance requirements.

• Evaluation of infrared sensor performance both theoretically and experimentally for long range acquisition under varied visual environments and illumination conditions.

• Leveraging sensor performance analyses to inform customers of expected sensor performance.

• Design assemble align and test complex electro-optical sensors.

• Performing stray light analysis of complex electro-optical sensor systems.

WhatCorporateSkillsYoull 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:

• Active enrollment in a Masters or PhD degree program from an accredited college/university in optics physics electrical engineering or equivalent

• 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.

• Academic or prior internship experience performing detailed sensor performance analyses.

• Knowledge of computer programming languages in an engineering application environment such as MATLAB Python ENVI/IDL or Mathematica.

• Familiarity working in a laboratory environment and electro-optical sensors

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI SSBIsecurity 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:

• Knowledge with assembling aligning and measuring performance metrics of electro-optical sensors.

• Analyticalskills in passive remote sensing electro-optical system performance evaluation including radiometry optical design and testing and sensor performance metrics.

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

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.