2025 Network Architecture Systems Grad 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 Network Architecture Systems Grad Intern for the Network Systems Department within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD).  This position will be located in El Segundo, CA.

Job Summary

Grad Intern will support the Network Systems Department who is involved with the entire process of system acquisition; from requirement development all the way to validation and verification. The chosen candidate will support our network architecture studies and implementation of physical networking testbeds. Our academic-like inspiring atmosphere encourages collaboration with and continued learning from our engineers who are leaders in their fields of expertise. We're also ready to learn from you.

Work Model

This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Participate in the development and improvement of our network lab infrastructure.

• Participate in development of physical testbeds that study optical networking.

• Collaborate onsite or remotely with our experienced networking engineers.

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 a Master's or PhD program pursuing a Bachelor's, degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline from an accredited college / university.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• 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.

• Fluent proficiency in TCP/IP usage/implementation and network routing protocols.

• Applied research in network simulation and/or skills experimenting with networking hardware.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. 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: 

• Active Security Clearance.

• Optical networking hardware experience.

• Advanced network routing protocol coursework.

• Completed coursework on Networking Systems. Familiarity with OSI model of networking.

• Completed coursework on Data Analysis.

• Project experience in developing network architecture.

• Experience with Agile task management tools. 

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, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$32.00 - $35.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level