Digital Systems Engineering 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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle."

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED), part of SED, leads the charge in advancing the application of digital system models, digital threads and digital twin capabilities throughout the systems engineering lifecycle.

Our work in Digital Engineering (DE) and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) encompasses research, prototyping, development, independent assessments, training, and guidance to help our customers realize complex space and defense systems.

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

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Graduate Summer Intern to join our team. This internship offers a hands‑on opportunity to develop, simulate, and analyze digital system models for space, ground, and launch architectures with a focus on MBSE methods, tools, and modeling language standards. As part of the DSED team, you will contribute to innovative and challenging projects that shape the future of digital systems engineering.

• System Architecture and Design:
  Build, validate, and simulate digital system models representing complex space and defense system architectures and design solutions.
• System Analysis:
  Develop complex queries and AI applications that interrogate digital system models for specific information, answering stakeholder questions.
• Digital Thread Implementation:
  Assist with federating digital system models with other digital engineering models (mechanical, structural, electrical, software), yielding end-to-end digital thread models.
• Digital Twin Realization:
  Develop virtual twin system models that interact with the corresponding physical twin through live telemetry updates.

• 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

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program, pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline OR BS degree completed by internship start date and enrolled in a graduate STEM degree program beginning Fall 2027.
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and…