2024 Space Science 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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Graduate-level Space Sciences Intern for an opportunity in Chantilly, VA. 

Job Summary 

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.

This role within PSL’s Space Sciences Department is focused on radiation belt research; specifically, the development of physics-informed neural network models using unique Aerospace radiation belt data from the REACH constellation. The role also includes reporting on scientific and application results through direct interactions with customers and corporate leadership, participation in scientific conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.

Work Model: 

This position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, VA 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Space can be an incredibly harsh environment for vehicles, sensors, and systems and understanding that environment is critical for mission success - apply your scientific expertise to solve hard problems in this space science and applications domain

• Support a wide variety of critical space programs through the application of the results of space science research and the resulting knowledge base and support and grow interactions with a diverse set of customers

• Engage with space system operations communities to document and understand the role of the space environment in operations; participate in anomaly investigations; use established system assessment methods to advise on material solutions for space weather information

• Conduct scientific research in the space sciences through data analysis and modeling to further our understanding of the environmental role on space system operations and disseminate results through customer briefings and reports, conferences and workshops, and peer-reviewed publications

• Training and mentorship will be provided. 

What Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Must work well in a team environment 

• Possess organizational and time management skills 

• 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 Master's or Ph.D. degree in space science, physics, 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

• Second year of graduate school completed by internship start date 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0  

• Familiarity with radiation belt physics, and space science research

• Familiarity with python

• This position requires the 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 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 secur