2025 Optical Engineering Undergrad 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 Optical Engineering Intern for the RF Optical Communication Subdivision in the Communications Technology Engineering Division (CTED). This position will be located in El Segundo, CA.

Job Summary

The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on.  Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Conducting specialized satellite lasercom studies and reporting findings

• Development of analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria for subsystems

• Participating in lasercom system validation and verification activities which may include modeling & simulation and testing

• Supporting laboratory measurements including testing of key laser communication assemblies and components such as track sensors, transmitters, receivers and associated equipment

• Automation of laboratory instrumentation using Labview, Matlab, or Python

• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 

• 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 Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences or related discipline  

• Junior class standing completed by internship start date  

• 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 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  

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 - Max)

$26.00 - $30.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our 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 t