2027 SDR/Digital Signal Processing Undergraduate Intern

Location: 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.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department, a core part of the Communication Systems and Agile Processing sub-division, excels in managing the full communications chain—from RF signals to digital bits. Our expertise encompasses everything from modeling and simulation to RF chain analysis/design and software-defined radio systems. We leverage this deep knowledge to develop satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative approaches to antenna design, characterization, and measurement.

We are looking for an SDR / Digital Signal Processing Undergraduate Intern to join our team and support critical programs that are vital to the success of todays and tomorrow’s space architectures. This position offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading technical experts while providing strategic guidance to both the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community as they shape the future of the rapidly evolving space sector.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, onsite at our office in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

Gain hands-on experience with the department's laboratory infrastructure, including advanced SDR hardware platforms, CI/CD development environments, high-performance compute hardware, and RF test and measurement equipment

Solve technically challenging problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and data processing

Work cooperatively with subject area experts in cross-organizational teams; participating in interfaces with customers and/or Aerospace program offices.

Support technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and be able to document and present findings to a wide audience

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 Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics or related discipline.

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.

Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Experience with scientific programming using languages such as MATLAB, Python, C, etc.

Understanding of fundamental principles of digital signal processing

Exposure to common applications for DSP such as communications or remote sensing

This position requires the 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 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

Experience working with and developing applications for software defined radios

Experience working in a laboratory environment with RF devices and associated test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, etc...

Familiarity with basic communications systems components and ability to analyze system performance

Understanding of computer networking principles and protocols

Experience working in Linux-based development environments

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 Employe