2027 Trajectory Optimization 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 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.

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 You’ll Be Doing

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

- Perform trajectory simulation and multi-objective performance optimization of constellations, spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles

- Analysis of multi-objective combinatorial optimization / sequential decision-making problems, such as the Traveling Salesman Problem, Facility Location Problem, Markov Decision Processes, etc.

- Participates with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners

- Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks

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

- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
- Training and mentorship will be provided

Additional inter-department partnership collaborations opportunities:

- Cislunar and exploration-class orbital mechanics analysis and trajectory optimization
- Hypersonics, missiles, interceptors, and reentry vehicle trajectory design and optimization

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

- 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

- 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 a Master’s or PhD Degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired.
- 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.

- Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date
- Minimum GPA of 3.0

- Graduate level coursework, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: orbital mechanics, optimal control, flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation

- Experience programming in at least one of the following languages: Python, C/C++, Fortran, or MATLAB

- Software design, development, unit testing, and integration experience

- The 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 for this position

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 with sequential decision-making and optimization algorithms (ex: Monte Carlo Tree Search, Markov Decision Processes, Reinforcement Learning, Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, etc.)
- Experience with multi-objective optimization, linear/nonlinear programming, and/or gradient-based and indirect methods
- Experience with reachable set analysis for dynamical systems
- Experience building astrodynamics/flight mechanics analysis software with integrated optimization/decision-making algorithms
- Experience with object-oriented programming, joint C++/Python development, and modern software development practices (ex: Git/version control)

- Experience with developing and delivering presentations, leading small groups, etc.
- Experience of working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects

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