2025 Atomic Clocks & Device Physics 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.

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 an Undergraduate Atomic Clocks & Device Physics Intern.

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise. 

The Atomic Clocks & Device Physics Section in PSL is involved in a broad range of both basic and applied precise-timekeeping activities: from Monte Carlo simulations of space-timekeeping architectures to the development of next-generation space clocks, from engineering studies of low-temperature inductively-coupled-plasmas for atomic signal generation to basic physics experiments elucidating processes affecting next-generation space-clock performance.  The successful applicant can expect to work closely with atomic clock scientists investigating these issues, and can expect to work somewhat independently helping to move the efforts forward.

Work Model:

This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting laboratory research and data analysis in (for example) optoelectronic materials and devices, optical signal processing, experiment automation and atomic clock development.

• Participating on interdisciplinary teams related to ongoing research projects.

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

• Receiving training and mentorship to accomplish work duties. 

What Skills You’ll Need to Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• An ability to work well in a team environment

• Possession of strong time-management and project-management skills

• An ability to adapt to changing needs of the section

• Effective interpersonal skills to smoothly interact with colleagues

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing an Undergraduate Degree (BA or BS) in Physics or a directly related field

• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 12 weeks outside of college/university term

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)

• Working knowledge of Labview, Python or Matlab

• Must be able to obtain a security clearance; US Citizenship is required

• Transcripts are required

How You Can Stand Out [

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Laboratory experience using oscilloscopes, power supplies, temperature controllers, lock-in amplifiers and/or low power lasers

• Coursework in quantum mechanics, physical chemistry, optics, scientific computer programming and/or aerospace engineering

• More extensive project experience using Labview, Python, or Matlab

• Experience with clocks, oscillators, and precise timekeeping

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