2027 Formal Methods Researcher 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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Researcher in Formal Methods, Graduate Intern, for the Cyber and Mission Technology Department within the Information Systems and Cyber Division.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our IC, DoD, and civilian customers.

The Cyber and Mission Technology Department (CMTD) focuses on use-inspired basic research encompassing full-stack cyber and reasoning. As an intern within CMTD, you will be involved in fundamental research in formal methods applied to self-healing systems. Self-healing systems are fault-tolerant architectures that explicitly account for malicious actors, baking in assumptions such as intentional correlated failures. This internship will focus on creating novel research in formal methods to develop computationally viable deterministic mathematical/logical guarantees for real-time generated patches. You will take an active part in shifting the cybersecurity landscape in favor of the defender.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo CA, Chantilly VA,  Colorado Springs CO, and other Aerospace locations.

What You’ll Be Doing

Work with CMTD leadership to create high-impact novel research in formal methods and functional demonstrations

Conduct literature review on computationally viable formal methods

Develop prototype illustrating novel research

Create presentations for various audiences

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 Master’s or Ph.D. degree in mathematics, logic, computer science, computing and information systems, electrical engineering, computer 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 or Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship.

Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date

Hands-on experience with formal methods.

Willingness to publish in a peer-reviewed journal

Minimum GPA of 3.0

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 required.

How You Can Stand Out

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

Publications

GPA 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

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 and development programs to help advance your career

Education assistance programs

An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportun