2026 Composites 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.

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 Materials Science Department (MSD) in the Space Materials Laboratory at The Aerospace Corporation conducts anomaly resolution, correlation of materials physics to materials performance, nondestructive evaluation, materials characterization, failure analysis, and applied research in materials science, additive manufacturing, nondestructive evaluation technologies for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas. The MSD is seeking a graduate-level Composites Intern, a well-qualified individual with a strong foundation in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering fields which emphases on composite materials for space applications. The intern wil work closely with several mentors and receive hands-on lab experience with material processing, characteristic and other valuable training related to composite materials. 

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen 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 

• Investigating structure-property relationships of high-performance composite materials and effect of processing conditions on resulting thermal and mechanical properties. 
• Evaluating cure properties of CFRP composite materials and develop techniques to characterize resultant properties, including mechanical, chemical, thermal, microstructure, dimensional stability, etc.  Research may also involve working with adhesive bonding and associated processes.
• Mechanical testing of structural materials
• Thermal analysis and characterization of polymers and composites
• Data acquisition and analysis
• Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs.
• Communicate with personnel within PSL and between organizations within Engineering, Technology Group
• Document technical efforts, prepare written and oral reports of research activities and accomplishments, and present to higher management, internal colleagues and the broader scientific community
• 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 fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, 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.
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• Course