2026 Space Photovoltaic Hardware/Device Testing Undergraduate 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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The 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 Energy Technology Department (ETD) conduct both basic and applied research to characterize novel photovoltaic devices and elucidate how these devices degrade in the space environment. Our advanced characterization techniques, combined with a dedicated focus on precision and accuracy, enable us to provide reliable performance data on solar arrays and how they degrade in the harsh space environment for national security as well as civil and commercial space programs. 

As a Space Photovoltaics Hardware/Device Testing Undergraduate Intern, you will have the opportunity to work with world-class scientists and engineers and touch the full spectrum from hardware to software used in laboratory testing and prototyping activities to study and characterize photovoltaic devices for space applications.

Highlights of PSL’s capabilities can be found here: Virtual Tour 

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Develop and maintain embedded software for hardware control and data acquisition of experimental solar cell testbeds
• Implement data acquisition and control systems using C/C++ and Python
• Automate data parsing, storage, and visualization pipelines
• Support calibration and testing of sun sensors and photovoltaic modules
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on CubeSat and lab-based experiments focused on advanced energy technology
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 
• Receive training and mentorship to support your professional and technical development

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 Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, 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 Bachelor's degree program full-time after completion of the internship
• Experience with C++, Python, MATLAB, Assembly language, AutoCAD or related simulation programs
• Coursework or project experience related to semiconductor or microelectronics characterization, embedded systems, and data structures and algorithms
• Familiarity with microcontroller programming (e.g., ARM, NIOS) and basic electronics
• Minimum GPA 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

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:  

• Experience with embedded C development in a research or experimental setting
• Experience developing software for CubeSats or other space-related hardware
• Demonstrated ability to develop and utilize data