2026 Electro-Optical Sensor Performance 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.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Electro-Optical Sensor Performance Grad Intern position for the Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems.  This position is based in El Segundo, CA.

Job Summary

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD! 

The Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department supports passive electro-optical remote sensing payload development and test with design and analysis. Projects range from short-turnaround prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support. System design concepts are developed and analyzed against mission requirements. In a concurrent engineering environment, systems are evaluated collaboratively from an optical, thermal, and structural perspective to determine on-orbit performance.

Work Model:

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

What You’ll Be Doing

Provide support to technical teams that are responsible for the following:

• Generating novel remote sensing payload concepts to meet evolving customer requirements.

• Performance analysis of passive remote sensing electro-optical sensor systems for assessing proposed designs and developing technical performance requirements.

• Evaluation of infrared sensor performance both theoretically and experimentally for long range acquisition under varied visual environments and illumination conditions.

• Leveraging sensor performance analyses to inform customers of expected sensor performance.

• Design, assemble, align and test complex electro-optical sensors.

• Performing stray light analysis of complex electro-optical sensor systems.

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:

• Active enrollment in a Master’s or PhD degree program from an accredited college/university in optics, physics, electrical engineering or equivalent

• 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.

• Academic or prior internship experience performing detailed sensor performance analyses.

• Knowledge of computer programming languages in an engineering application environment such as MATLAB, Python, ENVI/IDL, or Mathematica.

• Familiarity working in a laboratory environment and electro-optical sensors

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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:

• Knowledge with assembling, aligning and measuring performance metrics of electro-optical sensors.