2026 Mission Engineering Undergraduate 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 Mission Engineering Department (MED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The departmentleverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. MED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA, Huntsville, AL, Colorado Springs, CO or El Segundo, CA.What You’ll Be DoingProvide technical expertise and leadership in mission engineering methods, processes, and tools to a broad range of customers, including National Security Space (NSS), Golden Dome America, and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, and othersMembers of the Mission Engineering Department evaluate and assess customer mission-integration needs and/or challenges, develop end-to-end mission threads, and providetimely advice, make recommendations to enterprise leaders on risks, issues, and gaps, and develop recommended solutions to enable desired mission outcomes.Conduct mission analysis by examining operational objectives, capabilities, functions, organizations, systems, data and networks required to create the desired mission effectsApply mission-engineering tradecraft (e.g., develop models) to build and analyze end-to-end effects-chains.You’ll be working with collaborative teams that will be covering the breadth of the mission threads, and performing innovative engineering analysis to assess capability performance required for the mission thread.What Corporate Skills You’ll BringStrong initiative and perseverance to work in on dynamic projectsStrong written and oral communication skillsMust work well in a team environmentPossess organizational, time management and project management skillsDemonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needInterpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizationsWhat You Need to be SuccessfulMinimum Requirements:Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, math, or related disciplineAvailability 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.Junior class standing completed by internship start dateMinimum GPA of 3.0Experience designing or developing space systems, or conducting space operationsDemonstrated ability to be a successful team member on systems engineering teams, projects, or programsThis 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 requiredHow You Can Stand OutIt would be impressive if you have one or more of these:GPA of 3.5 or higherActive security clearanceExcellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaboratorsExcellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communicationsExceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projectsDemonstrated ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter expertsTemporary 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): $30.00 - $30.00, Pay Basis: HourlyLeadership CompetenciesOur 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 StrategicallyLead ChangeEngage with ImpactFoster InnovationDeliver ResultsWays We Reward Our EmployeesDuring 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 plansPaid holidays, sick time, and vacationStandard and alternate work schedules, including telework options401(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 hireFlexible spending accountsVariable pay program for exceptional contributionsRelocation assistanceProfessional growth and development programs to help advance your careerEducation assistance programsAn inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respectWe 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr