Vehicle and Ground Concepts Grad Intern
Listed on 2026-09-13
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Engineering
Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Systems Engineer, Engineering Design & Technologists, Mechanical Engineer
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 wide-ranging 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 and space-enabled capabilities.
Vehicle Ground Concepts Department DescriptionThe Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD) in EED provides space vehicle and ground system preliminary/conceptual design; trade and architecture analysis, modeling, process development and leadership expertise; and tool development in support of conceptual design activities across the space enterprise. As a member of VGCD, you will be designing innovative spacecraft and ground segment solutions to meet the most pressing mission needs of our US Space Force, Intelligence Community, NASA, NOAA, and commercial/international customers.
WorkModel
This position is 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA, or Chantilly, VA.
What You'll Be DoingAs a graduate intern in the Vehicle and Ground Concepts Department (VGCD), you'll be:
- Leading and supporting early-stage design studies for spacecraft/ground concepts; types of studies can include both small, individual efforts as well as larger, multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts.
- Leading and assisting with development, maintenance, and improvement of the tools and models that are used during spacecraft design and analysis activities.
- Collaborating with and learning from VGCD staff, program office personnel, as well as other members of Aerospace's engineering group, including the large cohort of Aerospace interns.
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate program pursuing a Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a MS or PhD degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
- Advanced knowledge of and/or relevant coursework in spacecraft subsystems, ground systems design, 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.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communications skills and ability to excel in a collaborative environment; this also requires proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office
- 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.
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…
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