Radio Frequency; RF) Spectrum Engineering Undergrad 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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Engineering Intern for the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results.

We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

Every satellite communication, every military data link, every command and telemetry signal depends on something invisible but fiercely contested:
Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum. Within our MPD the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) sits at the intersection of cutting-edge RF engineering and high-stakes national policy. We don't just analyze spectrum — we shape the regulations and strategies that ensure our nation's most critical wireless systems have the spectrum access they need to operate, today and decades from now.

From satellites to launch vehicles, ground systems to cyber, CAD and its spectrum engineers are broadly engaged across every domain where space matters most to our nation's defense, civil, and commercial future.

• Perform radio frequency interference analysis of communication systems to promote spectrum sharing and resolve spectrum contention issues
• Develop tools to provide analysis and evaluations of spectrum activities
• Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols
• Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues
• Tasking will vary during the internship and may include simultaneous projects
• Training and mentorship will be provided in this position

• 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 full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelors, degree in a STEM-related discipline
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 12 weeks outside of university term. Ability to return to a degree program after completion of the internship.
• Experience programming in Python, C/C++, or Matlab
• Relevant coursework and/or project experience with communication theories and/or satellite communications
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• This…