2026 Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Graduate 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.

At Aerospace we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern for an opportunity in El Segundo CA Chantilly VA and Albuquerque NM

Job Summary

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 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 and space-enabled capabilities.

As a core component of EED the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain multi-objective traveling salesman trajectory sequence generation facility location optimization and trans-atmospheric modeling for missiles hyperglide vehicles and reentry vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics astrodynamics trajectory design and optimization and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs supporting analysis research and development requests. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers hardest problems. Customers will include defense intelligence and civil and commercial organizations.

Work Model

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

WHAT YOULL BE DOING:

• Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems

• Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft missiles and reentry vehicles

• Participateswith an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners

• Applies standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribedscientific and/or engineering tasks

• Working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch

• Training and mentorship will be provided

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR OUR INTERNSHIP POSITIONS INCLUDE:

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Must work well in a team environment

• Must possess strong organizational time management and project management skills

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need

• Demonstrate behavior that is consistent with the companys values of Dedication to Mission Success Technical Excellence Commitment to Our People Objectivity and Integrity and Innovation

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Applying to or currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Masters or PhD Degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering physics or applied mathematics or related disciplines is strongly desired.

• Completion of Bachelors degree prior to internship start date

• 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.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Graduate Level Course work research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: orbital mechanics hypersonic flight simulation optimal control flight mechanics trajectory modeling and simulation

• Experience programming in at least one of the following language: C/C Fortran Python or MATLAB

• Software design development unit testing and integration experience

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is to obtain a security clearance

• Transcripts required for this position

HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT:

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• Active security clearance

• Experience in developing and delivering presentations leading small groups etc.

• Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects