2024 Vehicle Design and Prototyping 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.
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 Vehicle Design and Innovation Department (VDID) provides space vehicle design and analysis, rapid systems engineering processes, and vehicle systems engineering support throughout the program acquisition lifecycle using systems engineers, modeling capabilities, rapid prototyping tools, and dedicated engineering development facilities. As a member of VDID you will be developing the next generation of innovative spacecraft designs to solve the most challenging problems of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.
The Vehicle Design and Prototyping (VDP) Section within VDID focuses on the maintenance and utilization of the RApid Prototyping and Innovative Design (RAPID) Center's tools, hardware, and equipment, which provides an enabling concept prototyping capability to our engineers and our customers.
Work Model
This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO or Chantilly, VA
What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and supporting early-stage design studies for spacecraft concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts.
• Utilize and maintain prototyping tools, hardware, and equipment in the RAPID Center to support active programs, while actively participating in steering group meetings to support future center development.
• Collaborating with and learning from VDID staff, program office personnel, as well as other members of Aerospace's engineering group, including the large cohort of Aerospace interns.
• Training and mentorship will be provided

What Corporate Skills You'll 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
• 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 undergraduate program pursuing a Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Senior year or BS degree completed by internship start date
• Knowledge of and/or relevant coursework in spacecraft subsystems, system engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or other related topics.
• A desire to work on both individual efforts, as well as in large multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office.
• Strong leadership skills
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and balance projects with conflicting time demands.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools, and programming languages, including one or more of the following: MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, Cameo, or similar.
• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative.
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance

Temporary housing assistance is not available.
The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce 2030, a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and diversifying opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, the Space Workforce 2030 companies have pledged to increase the number of females, diverse employees, and interns with a goal to hire at least 3,000 interns by the summer of 2030. 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 - Mid - Max)
$30.00 - $35.00 - $38.00
Pay Basis: Hourly
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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.