2027 RF Characterization Undergraduate 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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories' technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

The Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) is part of PSL with specialized laboratories for testing, accelerating, and analyzing failures in electronics used for space systems. MTD supports investigations of electronics reliability and physics of failure of advanced RF systems using GaN HEMTs, CMOS, SiGe, SOI, MOSFETs, bipolar, and other advanced technologies for space applications. We are hiring an RF Device Engineering Undergraduate Intern to assist with RF device characterization, reliability testing, and accelerated life testing of microelectronics technology that supports national security space programs.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour

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

What You'll Be Doing

Assist with device characterization including pulsed-IV, DC, and RF measurements on semiconductor devices

Perform probe station measurements on microelectronic devices and test structures

Support accelerated life testing on microelectronic components and materials

Perform RF measurements including S-parameter, noise figure, high-power

Develop automated parser to translate LabVIEW to Python code using internal AI tools, while using hardware to test changes

Develop tools for managing automation of measurement systems and lab capabilities

Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs

Training and mentorship will be provided

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

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 bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or related discipline

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

Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C++, or related experience with programming

Familiarity or coursework related to semiconductor, microelectronics, or RF device characterization: experience with oscilloscopes, network analyzers, function generators, and multimeters

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 security clearance

Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you had one or more of these:

Active security clearance

Coursework or experience with RF fundamentals (S-parameters, impedance matching, network analysis)

Experience with high-frequency measurements or microwave devices

Experience in developing and delivering presentations

Electrical testing knowledge and experience with semiconductor devices

Experience with database and project organizational tools, such as bitbucket or Slack

Experience working as part of a team on complex projects

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) $26.00 - $30.00

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 contri