2025 SERVO Fluid Mechanics 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 Fluid Mechanics Intern for an opportunity located in Huntsville, AL.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

The Southeast Regional Vehicle Systems Office (SERVO) is in Huntsville, AL and represents the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) in support of programs in the Southeastern United States. SERVO provides a small but broad range of technical experts to government programs including the Missile Defense Agency, NASA Marshall Space Flight, NASA Johnson Space Center, and Space Development Agency, as well as government representatives at United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin production and launch facilities. 

Atmospheric sensing onboard a hypersonic vehicle is limited by the time the sensor can be exposed to the thermal environment caused by the high speed of travel. During this Undergraduate Summer Intern opportunity, you will be developing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of hypersonic vehicles and novel thermal protection systems for their optical sensors. 

Work Model

This position will be a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow in Huntsville, AL.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Learning CFD tools and develop models to analyze thermal protection systems in a hypersonic environment
• Work with cross disciplinary teams to analyze complex systems and develop real-world solutions
• Apply in-house or custom-developed analysis tools as necessary
• Develop new analysis tools and techniques as necessary
• 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 Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical 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
• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0  
• Familiar with one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, or MATLAB
• This 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 required 

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 
• Background in one or more of the following categories: Fluid Mechanics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer, and/or Thermodynamics
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