Photonics Technologies 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. 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. The Photonics Technology Department is hiring a graduate Intern to work in radio frequency (RF) photonics, photonic integrated circuits, quantum photonics, and/or fabrication techniques. PTD focuses on areas of photonics directed towards research and development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver mission success in the rigors of the space environment.

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

• Participating with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing laboratory and theoretical research focused on advanced photonic technologies such as quantum and microwave photonics
• Applying standard and novel techniques and procedures to carry out scientific, engineering, and/or computational tasks related to quantum technologies, RF photonics, including laboratory characterization of devices and system simulations
• Developing novel techniques for analyzing advanced photonic systems
• Presenting results to management and colleagues
• Interacting with and learning from senior staff
• 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

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics, 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 or Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar analytical language)
• Prior experience working in a research or prototyping lab or performing numerical simulations
• Completed coursework covering basic electrical engineering and/or physics principles
• 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.

It would be…