2025 Space Mission Analysis and Operations 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 hiring a Graduate-level aerospace Intern for an opportunity located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.   

The Space Control and Awareness Department (SCAD) is seeking a new team member to support space mission analyses and operations.  SCAD performs concept development, systems engineering, architecture analysis, algorithm development and evaluation support for national security space customers emphasizing Radar, Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) sensors, orbit determination, positioning navigation and timing (PNT), command and control missions, electronic warfare (EW), space domain awareness (SDA), and space protection and security.

Work Model: This position will be located 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO

.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Algorithm assessment and development
• Perform space protection and space threat susceptibility, vulnerability analysis and resiliency assessment.
• Analyze electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), radar and passive radio frequency sensor concepts, architectures, and algorithms.
• Conduct a range of analysis using a framework of modeling, simulation and analysis capabilities including in-house, custom and commercially available/government provided modeling tools
• Applies standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks.
• Training and mentorship will be provided.

Corporate Skills You Will Need

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Must possess strong organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful:

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in physics, applied mathematics, Aerospace 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
• Completion of Bachelor's degree prior to internship start date with fall enrollment to graduate program
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• Experience programming in C, C++ or JAVA
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts require

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 in developing and delivering presentations, leading small groups, etc.
• Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects
• Software design, development, unit testing and integration experience
• Practice robust statistics and decision logics
• Rudimentary knowledge of Image Processing

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)

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 equal opportunity 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, genetic information, 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 email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.