2027 Hardware Security Engineering Grad Intern

Location: El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA

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 Graduate Hardware Security Engineer Intern for the Cyber and Mission Technology Department (CMTD) in the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD). This position will be full-time, onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

Job Summary

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 Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

CMTD focuses on critical space systems in the areas of Hardware Security, Advanced Cryptography, Network Security, and Embedded/ Specialized Compute Solutions. The group supports a variety of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and other civil partners (e.g., NASA) to resolve unique challenges in implementation and research.

The qualified candidate will become part of the Hardware Security and Specialty Engineering section of the Cyber and Mission Technology Department.

What You’ll Be Doing

Directly contribute to hardware security research, development, and applications while helping to secure National Security Space Systems.

Define threat paths and develop guidance on FPGA/ASIC/embedded systems vulnerability mitigations.

Demonstrate the ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and debug both hardware and firmware issues effectively.

Assist in the development and improvement of microelectronics assurance policy, requirements and documentation.

Collaborate with other Aerospace departments and external organizations to develop new technical demonstrations and capabilities.

Learn and grow through new work opportunities, trainings, and mentorship from experienced staff

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

Strong written and oral communication skills

Ability to collaborate effectively 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 at an accredited college/university degree program pursuing a graduate degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related program.

Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full- time after completion of the internship.

Minimum GPA 3.0

Experience with FPGA design, including familiarity with HDLs (VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog) and major vendor tools (AMD Xilinx, Microchip, and Intel Altera).

Experience with embedded system design (e.g., Xilinx Zynq/Microblaze, ARM, Altera NIOS)

Experience in coding and scripting with languages such as C, C++, Python, Perl, or Shell

Hands-on experience with Linux environments

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Exhibit a high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative.

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

Active Security Clearance

Some experience with hardware security

Some experience with machine learning

Some experience with other ASIC/FPGA verification tools (e.g., linting, clock domain crossing, x-propagation, requirements traceability) using tools from some of the major vendors (e.g. Mentor Graphics, Cadence, Synopsys)

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 - $35.00

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 contributio