2027 Guidance, Navigation, and Control 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; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Guidance Analysis Department is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Intern to provide GNC support for launch vehicle, missile systems, and missile defense systems for a wide range of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the Missile Defense Agency, and other civil customers (e.g. NASA).

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 mathematical models and high-fidelity computational simulations of launch vehicles from fundamental principles of dynamics and physics

Develop computational tools to analyze launch and upper-stage vehicle guidance and navigation systems, including the performance of guidance algorithms and use of inertial systems, GPS, and other sensors

Develop and support software tools to perform time and frequency domain controls analysis

Perform trajectory studies and conduct error and orbital perturbation analyses

Perform statistical analyses of launch vehicle trajectories, maneuvers, and targeting accuracy

Support multiple programs and work both independently and with interdisciplinary teams

Verify contractor designs, approaches, and overall launch vehicle GN&C performance

Study and evaluate current and future launch vehicle GNC system designs and algorithms

Prepare technical reports and briefings to be presented to other analysts and management

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/PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical 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/Phd degree program full-time after completion of the internship.

Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Some knowledge of one or more of the following: control systems, kinematics/dynamics, flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, or guidance and navigation of aerospace vehicles

Some experience with modeling and simulations for (linear or nonlinear) dynamic systems

Some knowledge of statistical methods and analysis

Proficiency with one or more of the following tools: Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran, Git

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

GPA of 3.5 or higher

Intermediate to advanced skills in some of the following: Unix/Linux, C++, Python, Matlab/Simulink, Fortran, Git

Experience in Guidance, Navigation, Control Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Some experience with electronics, mechanical design, control systems, sensors, and actuators

Experience in modeling and simulation of complex (dynamical) systems

Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems

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

Stan