2027 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Grad 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.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Graduate Sensor Modeling and Simulation Intern for the Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position is full-time, onsite at our office in Chantilly, VA.

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!

Job Summary

The SMSD team includes scientists and engineers across a broad range of disciplines actively engaged in developing the next generation of remote sensing systems of national importance.  SMSD supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical focal plane arrays, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, simulating target scenes and atmospheres, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications.  Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories and prototyping capabilities, enables SMSD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

What You’ll Be Doing

Applying SMSD and COTS analysis tools and techniques for applications including image chain modeling, scene simulation, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, lidar and 3D remote sensing, radio frequency remote sensing, product quality metrics, optics, calibration, and/or data simulation.

Applying best practices for modeling & simulation software development to augment existing software capabilities.

Advising internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance.

Performing, documenting, and presenting results of studies to inform and influence decisions.

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 both independently and in a collaborative 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 Master's or Ph.D. degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another 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.

Undergraduate degree completed and enrolled into graduate degree program by internship start date.

Minimum GPA of 3.0.

Strong scientific programming skills in at least one of: Python, C++, Matlab, IDL, etc.

Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

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

Bachelor’s GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor, teach, or coach others.

Experience with any or all of the following, through coursework and/or prior internship(s).

Electro-optical system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications.

Computation of sensor performance figures of merit (e.g., SNR, NESR).

Evaluation of sensor hardware performance.

Synthetic scene generation (with tools such as DIRSIG or Unreal Engine).

Modeling atmospheric radiative transfer effects (with tools such as MODTRAN).

Agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).

Active security clearance.

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 pipe