2027 Control Analysis Graduate Intern

Location: El Segundo, CA

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Control Analysis Department (CAD) is an organization within the Guidance and Control Subdivision that provides technical system engineering and analysis for space-based control systems to support a wide range of programs from DoD and NRO to commercial.  In today’s rapidly evolving space environment, spacecraft control analysis is as important as ever. In addition to increasingly modular and autonomous space vehicles, payload capabilities are advancing at a rapid rate with the scope of control applications expanding to include proximity operations such as robotic manipulation for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. Accordingly, the department is developing the cutting-edge control analysis capabilities to meet these growing needs.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

Performing technical studies, detailed analyses and tool development related to satellite attitude or payload control, dynamics, and estimation

Analyzing rendezvous, proximity, operations, and docking (RPOD) scenarios

Developing robotic platforms and algorithms for internal research and development efforts

Designing, implementing, and testing attitude determination and control algorithms for Cubesat-class vehicles

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 fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a 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 of PhD degree program full-time after completion of the internship.

Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date

Exposure to and interest in control systems

Familiarity with analysis packages such as MATLAB/SIMULINK and/or programming languages such as C/C++ and Python

Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)

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.

Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these

GPA of 3.5 or higher

Familiarity with control, dynamics and estimation

Familiarity modeling and simulating control systems

Experience with robotics systems and/or tools such as ROS or Gazebo

Experience with simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), extended/unscented Kalman filters (EKF/UKFs), contact mechanics, computer vision, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence

Eagerness to continue learning

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$32.00 - $38.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

Operate Strategically

Lead Change

Engage with Impact

Foster Innovation

Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

Flexible spending accounts

Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

Relocation assistance

Professional growth a