Radiation Effects Undergraduate 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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

You will work in the Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) which supports investigations of radiation effects, reliability- and radiation-hardness-by-design, and physics of failure of advanced CMOS, SiGe, SOI, III-V, II-VI, GaN and other advanced technology for space applications. MTD conducts basic and applied research in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices for space applications, providing technical support to national security space programs. During the internship, you will have the opportunity to assist with experiments and simulations of radiation effects on microelectronics technology for use in space systems.

Highlights of our lab’s capabilities can be seen here:
Virtual Tour

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop tools for managing automation of measurement systems and lab capabilities.
• Be introduced to radiation testing and characterization of microelectronic devices.
• Participates with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• 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 college/university program pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Bachelor’s degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date
• Experience with C++, JavaScript, MATLAB, Xilinx ISE, Assembly language, AutoCAD, Revit, Python or related experience with programming.
• Familiarity or coursework related to semiconductor or microelectronics characterization: experience with oscilloscopes, function generators, and multimeters, IC chips, microcontrollers, and circuits.
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts required

How You Can…