2026 Flight Loads Structural 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 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 Structural Mechanics Subdivision provides expertise in the areas of static and dynamic structures, mechanisms, environments, and materials for government and commercial space applications. As part of our lean, high-performance team, you will collaborate with aerospace companies and laboratories across the country to deliver the next generation of space systems. Your work will enable our customer to make critical decisions and deliver critical national capabilities in space on time, every time.

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

What You'll Be Doing

Developing, organizing, and improving software and simulation tools used to solve environments and / or structural dynamics problems relating to flight and / or post flight loads

Improving tools and processes used to prepare test and / or flight sensor data for comparison to analytical predictions and for use in fleet monitoring

Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and / or engineering tasks

Documenting and presenting completed work and recommendations

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve to support growth and learning

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 Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering 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.

Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date

Familiar with Python and Matlab programming languages and environments

Familiar with modern software issue tracking systems, including Jira

Demonstrated interest in structural dynamics specifically related to rocket and satellite structures

Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)

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

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

Knowledge of signal processing, statistics, and other applied mathematical approaches

Completed course work in Statics / Dynamics, Vibration, Finite Element Analysis, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra

Prior engineering or project management experience in the aerospace industry

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 - $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 .