2027 Propulsion Engineering 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 Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success.  We are hiring a Propulsion Engineering Intern to assist with tasks involving analysis, research, and/or experimentation of propulsion systems for high-priority missions; projects may involve liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, and/or spacecraft propulsion systems. You must have a strong technical foundation and be willing to learn new technologies and systems, and effectively communicate results.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

Provide support to launch vehicle and/or spacecraft program customers

Participate in the analysis and modeling of propulsion system performance, applications and technologies

Develop tools to assess performance of propulsion systems in ground test and flight

Support propulsion laboratory research efforts that may include set-up and execution of experiments

Present findings to team members, customers, and leadership

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 needs

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 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 start or return to a Master’s or Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship

Bachelor’s degree completed by the internship start date

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Proficiency with standard office software, engineering tools, and scientific/technical programming environments and languages including MATLAB and/or Python

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

General knowledge of mechanics and thermodynamics of rocket propulsion

Experience in combustion/reacting flows, turbomachinery, rocket engine testing, properties of engineering materials, and/or propulsion system engineering/design

Experience in analyzing dynamic phenomena, such as rotordynamics, inducer cavitation, and POGO oscillations, etc.

Experience with or knowledge of the design, analysis, testing, and/or operation of solid rocket motors

Experience/familiarity with spacecraft propulsion systems including hypergolic systems and/or refueling

Experience with data acquisition and instrumentation systems

Familiarity with digital engineering concepts and processes

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