2026 Mechanical Systems 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.

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Mechanical Systems Department (MSD) team has 20-25 engineers responsible for providing technical mission assurance support to ensure the integrity and reliable operation of moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs) and explosive devices used during separation and deployment events of space vehicles launch vehicles and missile systems. The Space Mechanisms Section is responsible for the evaluation of requirements design analysis and testing of space vehicle MMAs in accordance with industry standards. This section works closely and coordinates with other Aerospace technical disciplines program offices and contractors in support of our customers mission needs.

As an Undergraduate Intern within the Space Mechanisms Section you will work with the section managers and other engineering departments to conduct multi-disciplinary analyses that ensure mission success for current and future missions. This position leverages experience in the areas of moving mechanical assemblies deployment and separation systems and explosive devices to support our programs and departmental responsibilities.

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

What Youll Be Doing

• Perform analyses and modeling of moving mechanical assemblies deployment and separation systems
• Perform laboratory activities including planning executing and analyzing test data
• Prepare and provide reports and briefings to customers and other stakeholders
• Work closely with department technical staff and management for training and mentorship to resolve technical issues

What Corporate Skills Youll 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 aBachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace 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 Bachelors degree program full-time after completion of the internship
• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Courses taken in Mechanical Systems Dynamics Heat Transfer
• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent)
• Experience with finite element analysis
• Experience with Python MATLAB
• Experience with data acquisition software (LabVIEW or equivalent)
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word PowerPoint Excel)
• 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.
• Transcripts provided

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Junior class standing completed by internship start date
• Desire to pursue graduate degree after completion of Bachelors degree
• GPAof3.5 or higher
• Experience with designing analyzing testing or manufacturing moving mechanical assemblies
• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• Experience with multi-body dynamics analysis (ADAMS or equivalent)
• Experience with command-line interface high performance computing Git
• Experience leading technical teams and providing mentorship
• Active security clearance

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.