2024 Undergraduate Electrical Engineering 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 Electrical Engineer Intern.

In an era of dynamic change in space, Aerospace is addressing a generation of complex challenges. We operate the only federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) committed exclusively to the space enterprise. Our technical experts span every discipline of space-related science and engineering. Join our team and thrive in a career that matters to the world and you personally.

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an Electrical Engineer for an internship opportunity. This position will be located in El Segundo, CA.  The qualified candidate will become part of the Microelectronics Technology Department and work in the electronics materials and devices group performing research on materials characterization and developing a method to implement a thermal electric cooler in the dual beam electron microscope/focused ion beam.

Specifically, the intern will work with technical staff to set up and implement a thermal controlled stage for mounting samples in the vacuum chamber of dual beam FIB/SEM systems for cooling the temperature of the samples to mitigate thermal issues during ion milling. The intern will gain experience with a variety of destructive physical analysis equipment including scanning electron microscopes and focused ion beams.

Work Model:

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Writing scripts and other tools for controlling the thermoelectric cooler (TEC)

• Implementing the TEC in the vacuum chamber of a FIB/SEM.

• Operating the scanning electron microscope and focused ion beam with the assistance of staff members to verify the effect of cooling on the quality of deprocessing of electronic materials.

• Working with staff members to write papers and create conference presentations

• 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 physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or related disciplines

• Basic understanding of microelectronics, condense matter physics, vacuum systems, and Peltier effect

• Understanding of the operation of a scanning electron microscope or a focused ion beam.

• 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.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0  

• 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 3.5 or higher  

• Active security clearance 

• Experience operating a scanning electron microscopy

• Experience working with vacuum systems

• Experience with crystal characterization techniques, such as electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD)

• Experience with image analysis software packages such as ImageJ or Python.

• Ability to work in an autonomous work environment on complex projects 

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

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