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 Mission Engineering Department (MED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The department leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. MED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.  

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

What You’ll Be Doing   

• Provide technical expertise and leadership in mission engineering methods, processes, and tools to a broad range of customers, including National Security Space (NSS), Golden Dome America, and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, and others  

• Members of the Mission Engineering Department evaluate and assess customer mission-integration needs and/or challenges, develop end-to-end mission threads, and provide timely advice, make recommendations to enterprise leaders on risks, issues, and gaps, and develop recommended solutions to enable desired mission outcomes.  

• Conduct mission analysis by examining operational objectives, capabilities, functions, organizations, systems, data and networks required to create the desired mission effects 

• Apply mission-engineering tradecraft (e.g., develop models) to build and analyze end-to-end effects-chains.   

• You’ll be working with collaborative teams that will be covering the breadth of the mission threads, and performing innovative engineering analysis to assess capability performance required for the mission thread.     

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring   

• Strong initiative and perseverance to work in on dynamic projects 

• 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 a bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, math, or related discipline    

• 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.  

• Junior class standing completed by internship start date

• Minimum GPA of 3.0    

• Experience designing or developing space systems, or conducting space operations 

• Demonstrated ability to be a successful team member on systems engineering teams, projects, or programs 

• This position requires 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   

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   

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators  

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications  

• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects  

• Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts  

Temporary housing assistance is not available.    

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and providing opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, SWFT companies are focused on building a skilled, innovative, and sustainable space workforce required to maintain U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program. 

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)

$30.00 - $30.00Pay 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:

• 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 other—the 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 equal opportunity 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, color, religion, genetic information, 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 you’re 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 email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.