2025 Communication Architectures Modeling and Analysis Engineering Undergrad Intern (aero)

Job Description

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.

Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communication Architectures Modeling and Analysis Engineering Intern for the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) within the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED).  This position will be located in El Segundo, CA.

Job Summary

The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on.  Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

CAD performs trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems. CAD also guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources.

Work Model:

100% Onsite: This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA or Colorado Springs, CO

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform analysis of communication systems to ensure architectures support mission objectives.

• Develop tools to provide analysis and evaluations of communication architectures.

• Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols.

• Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues.

• Tasking will vary during the internship and may include simultaneous projects.

• Training and mentorship will be provided in this position.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's  degree in engineering, mathematics, or physics.

• Minimum GPA 3.0

• 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.

• Sophomore class standing by internship start date. 

• Experience programming in Python, C/C++, or MATLAB

• Proficiency in MS Excel

• Coursework in orbital mechanics

• Coursework in communications link budgets

• This position requires 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.

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing Master's, or PhD degree in engineering, mathematics, or physics.

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• Coursework in communication theory and/or satellite communications

• Project experience involving analysis of wireless communication systems.

• Demonstrated interest in space and communication systems.

• Active security clearance

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)

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 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.