2026 Flight Loads Structural Dynamics 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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.   

The Structural Mechanics Subdivision provides expertise in the areas of static and dynamic structures, mechanisms, environments, and materials for government and commercial space applications. As part of our lean, high-performance team, you will collaborate with aerospace companies and laboratories across the country to deliver the next generation of space systems. Your work will enable our customer to make critical decisions and deliver critical national capabilities in space on time, every time.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing, organizing, and improving software and simulation tools used to solve environments and/or structural dynamics problems relating to flight and/or post flight loads

• Improving tools and processes used to prepare test and/or flight sensor data for comparison to analytical predictions and for use in fleet monitoring

• Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks

• Documenting and presenting completed work and recommendations

• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve to support growth and learning

• 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 Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace 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.

• Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date

• Familiar with Python and Matlab programming languages and environments

• Familiar with modern software issue tracking systems, including Jira

• Demonstrated interest in structural dynamics specifically related to rocket and satellite structures

• Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) 

• 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.

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