2025 Small Satellite Software 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 a Graduate-level Small Satellite Software Intern.

The Office of the Chief Technology Officer at the Aerospace Corporation helps bring innovative solutions to the space enterprise through technology awareness, innovative concepts, and rapid prototyping.  There are three offices within OCTO that bring these game changing solutions to our customers: Engineering, Science and Technology Hubs, the innovation lab – iLab, and the prototyping lab – xLab.  OCTO also manages the company’s internal R&D program and the Aerospace Technical Fellows program which makes up the top 30 engineers and scientists in the space industry. 

The Small Satellite Department at The Aerospace Corporation conceives, develops, and operates small satellite missions in partnership with a broad array of internal and external stakeholders. The integration and operations team within the department currently operates a constellation of more than 20 satellites launched over the last several years, with multiple vehicles scheduled for launch in the next year. The team is currently seeking an embedded software developer to support on-board image processing and feature identification algorithm development for on-orbit small satellite systems.

Work Model

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Developing software libraries and applications to support satellite proximity operations missions

• Performing algorithm and application optimization to support system scaling

• Assisting with software releases, deployments, and documentation

• Coordinating with subsystem leads to define software requirements and interfaces

• Working collaboratively on a team and independently

• 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 pursing a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics 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.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

• Experience with Python and C/C++.

• Experience with image processing algorithm development and testing on embedded hardware platforms.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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: 

• GPA of 3.5 or higher. 

• Active security clearance. 

• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson Edge Computing.

• Experience with Embedded Linux and Robot Operating System (ROS).

• Familiarity with containerization platforms such as Docker.

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT),a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and providing opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, SWFT companies are focused on building a skilled, innovative, and sustainable space workforce required to