Guidance, Navigation, and Control; GNC) 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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls;

robotics; electro‑mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Guidance Analysis Department is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Intern to provide GNC support for launch vehicle, missile systems, and missile defense systems for a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the Missile Defense Agency, and other civil customers (e.g. NASA). The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

• Develop mathematical models and high‑fidelity computational simulations of launch vehicles from fundamental principles of dynamics and physics
• Develop computational tools to analyze the performance of launch vehicle flight control systems, guidance, and/or navigation (state estimation) algorithms
• Develop and support software tools to perform time and frequency domain controls analysis
• Perform analyses of launch and upper‑stage vehicle guidance and navigation systems, including the performance of guidance algorithms and use of inertial systems, GPS, and other sensors
• Perform trajectory studies and conduct error and orbital perturbation analyses
• Perform statistical analyses of launch vehicle trajectories, maneuvers, and targeting accuracy
• Support multiple programs and work both independently and with interdisciplinary teams
• Verify contractor designs, approaches, and overall launch vehicle GNC performance
• Study and evaluate current and future launch vehicle GNC system designs and algorithms
• Prepare technical reports and briefings to be presented to other analysts and management
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• Training and mentorship will be provided

• 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

Minimum Requirements:

Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's/PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related discipline;
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Master's/Phd degree program full-time after completion of the internship;
Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date;
Minimum GPA of 3.0;
Som…