2027 Space Domain Awareness Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s 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, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s 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.

The Space Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) is seeking a new graduate intern team member to support space domain awareness analyses. SCAD performs concept development, systems engineering, architecture analysis, algorithm development and evaluation support for national security space customers emphasizing space domain awareness (SDA), Radar, Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) sensors, orbit determination, positioning navigation and timing (PNT), and space protection and security.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

- Provide astrodynamics analytical support, algorithm development and modeling and simulation analysis for space surveillance systems and missions.
- Support modeling of SDA and sensor tracking of satellites.
- Conduct a range of analyses using modeling, simulation and analysis capabilities including in-house, custom and commercially available/government provided modeling tools
- Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks.
- Proactively network with department/subdivision staff and conduct independent research to solve problems and assignments given by task leads, with guidance from management or senior technical leaders
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
- Training and mentorship will be provided

What Corporate Skills You’ll Build

- Strong written and oral communication skills
- 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 or accepted to enroll in a full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or PhD degree in physics, applied mathematics, 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 Master's or PhD degree program full-time after completion of the internship
- Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Experience programming in MatLab, Python, C, C++ or JAVA
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
- Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out:

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

- 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
- Software design, development, unit testing and integration experience
- Experience in Space Domain Awareness, Orbit Determination, filtering, or PNT analyses
- Experience in modeling of EO and radar sensor systems

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll 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)
$32.00 - $38.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

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:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

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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

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Flexible spending accounts

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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

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Relocation assistance

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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

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Education assistance programs

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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 other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.