2026 Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Graduate Intern

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 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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern for an opportunity in El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA and Albuquerque, NM

Job Summary

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

As a core component of EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi-objective "traveling salesman" trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric modeling for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers' hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations.

Work Model

The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facilities in El Segundo, CA, Albuquerque, NM, or Chantilly, VA

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING :

Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems

Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles

Participateswith an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners

Applies standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribedscientific and / or engineering tasks

Working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch

Training and mentorship will be provided

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR OUR INTERNSHIP POSITIONS INCLUDE :

Strong written and oral communication skills

Must work well in a team environment

Must possess strong organizational, time management, and project management skills

Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need

Demonstrate behavior that is consistent with the company's values of Dedication to Mission Success, Technical Excellence, Commitment to Our People, Objectivity and Integrity, and Innovation

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL :

Applying to or currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college / university program pursuing a Master's or PhD Degree in aeronautical / astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired.

Completion of Bachelor's degree prior to internship start date

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 of 3.0

Graduate Level Course work, research and / or experience in one or more of the following areas : orbital mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation

Experience programming in at least one of the following language : C / C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB

Software design, development, unit testing, and integration experience

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 for this position

HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT :

GPA 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

Experience in developing and delivering presentations, leading small groups, etc.

Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and providing opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, SWFT companies are focused on building a skilled, innovative, and sustainable space workforce required to maintain U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program.

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 - $48.00 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 contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

Flexible spending accounts

Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

Relocation assistance

Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

Education assistance programs

An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.