2026 Systems Cost and Schedule 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 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 and cost and schedule assessments SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

Aerospaces Engineering Economic and Management Sciences (EEMS) Department is seeking a Systems Cost and Schedule Intern to join an innovative and highly productive team of cost schedule and operations research professionals. This growing geographically distributed department supports a wide range of customers across the National Security Civil and Commercial and International Space Communities. EEMS leverages expertise in cost schedule and economic engineering along with operations research and management science techniques to enhance cost- and schedule-related decision-making processes. The department also conducts integrated studies technical deep dives and comprehensive reviews that provide actionable insights and uncover risks and opportunities. These efforts enable decision-makers to balance trade-offs optimize resource allocation and develop robust solutions tailored to mission-critical challenges. By synthesizing lessons learned from a variety of programs EEMS continually refines engineering management practices in cost schedule and risk analysis to deliver impactful and enduring results.

This position will be full-time and located onsite in El Segundo CA.

What Youll Be Doing

• Participate in trade and concurrent engineering studies (e.g. participation in an Aerospace Concept Design Center Study as part of a large cross-disciplinary team)

• Develop cost estimates for advanced space systems using in-house estimating methodologies and parametric models

• Utilize industry tools to develop and/or evaluate Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) conduct Schedule Risk Assessments (SRAs) structural integrity analyses and identify/quantify program risks

• Analyze technical and programmatic data to assess credibility of government and industry cost and schedule estimates.

• Participate in research activities; update historical databases and assist senior staff in the derivation of cost and schedule metrics/heuristics

• Document analysis and present technical cost and programmatic data/findings to peers management and customers

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

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and collaborate effectively with staff.

• Ability to collect and organize data from various sources (e.g. vendor quotes and market research)

• Clearly articulate findings in written reports and ability to communicate with mentors staff and management on cost and schedule analyses
  

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a bachelors degree in Aerospace or Systems Engineering Mathematics Statistics Operations Research or a related discipline of science and technology

• Junior class standing completed at internship start date

• Minimum GPA 3.0

• 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.

• Proficiency in using MS Excel (formulas pivot tables data analysis functions)

• 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 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 security clearance

• Demonstrated ability to lead small projects

• Knowledge of space and ground systems systems engineering

• Relevant coursework and/or knowledge of space systems engineering regression analysis financial management

• Familiarity with one or more of the following programming languages: Python or VB.

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

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
• A 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.