2024 Microwave Photonics 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.

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 a Graduate Intern for an opportunity in El Segundo, CA. 

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) has more than 100 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverse expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

The Photonics Technology Department is hiring a graduate Intern to work in microwave photonics and signal processing. PTD focuses on areas of photonics directed towards research and development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver mission success in the rigors of the space environment.

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Participating with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing laboratory and theoretical research focused on photonics solutions for space systems
• Applying standard and novel techniques and procedures to carry out scientific, engineering, and/or computational tasks related to microwave photonics and signal processing
• Developing novel techniques for analyzing microwave photonics systems and signals data
• Presenting results to management and colleagues
• Interacting with and learning from senior staff 

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Knowledge of scientific principles relevant to the ongoing research at Aerospace
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment 
• Organizational, time management and project management skills 
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs 
• 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 Masters or Doctoral degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Optics, Electrical 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.
• First year of graduate school completed by internship start date
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar analytical language)
• Prior experience working in a research or prototyping lab or performing numerical simulations 
• Completed coursework covering basic physics and mathematical methods
• 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 
• Completed coursework in advanced physics (including nonlinear optics), mathematical methods, and/or data analytics
• Experience with specialty simulation packages such as Lumerical, HFSS, Comsol  
• Experience performing independent research and/or development projects

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 - Mid - Max)

$26.00 - $28.00 - $30.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

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