2026 Operations and Manufacturing Process 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.

The Aerospace Corporation’s Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers’ hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. We are looking for engineers with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today’s challenges.  

Join our dynamic team in a state-of-the-art prototype lab where you’ll play a key role in transforming how manufacturing instructions and workorder flows are standardized and optimized.  As an intern, you’ll collaborate with experienced engineers to streamline processes, implement operational efficiencies, and continuously refine our manufacturing systems.  This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment that bridges theory and practice. 

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

What You'll Be Doing:

• Operate strategically by assisting in the creation and improvement of manufacturing instructions, inventory, and tooling lists; ensuring lab processes are clear, concise, and standardized
• Deliver results by supporting the design and implementation of streamlined workorder flows that enhance productivity and reduce downtime
• Lead change by collaborating closely with engineering teams to identify production bottlenecks and propose innovative solutions
• Engage with impact by collecting and analyze operational data to gauge the effectiveness of process improvements and guide continuous development
• Foster innovation by participate in cross-functional projects and contributing valuable insights in operations and manufacturing engineering methodologies
• 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 mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or related discipline
• Sophomore 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
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• Ability to analyze data and process critically
• Familiarity with CAD software, manufacturing systems, or lean manufacturing principles
• A keen sense of initiative and the drive to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, innovative environment
• 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:

• GPA 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance 
• Lean Six Sigma process improvement methodologies
• Experience using Jira software
• Comfortable working in a lab setting with technicians

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