2025 Communication and Signals Processing 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 Communication and Signals Processing Graduate Intern for the Communications and Signals Analysis Department (CSAD) of the Mission Payload Division (MSD).  This position is located in Chantilly, VA.

The Mission Payload Division (MSD) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, MSD projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on.  Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

Graduate Intern will join the CSAD team and perform modeling and simulation work for communications and / or signal processing applications.

Work Model:

This position will be located 100% onsite in Chantilly, Virginia.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• You will support the interests and efforts of our primary customers within CSAD, including the NRO, NASA and DHS

• You will enable customers to make informed decisions utilizing technical data generated by your analysis, modeling and simulation work products

• You will work as part of a team supporting one or more technical project

• The primary function of your role will be to utilize MATLAB and/or Python to develop computer models or functions that perform engineering computations associated with signal processing concepts

• Applies standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks

• Performs computer modeling and simulation demonstrating mathematical dependencies and relationships

• 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 

• Currently enrolled at an accredited college/university degree program pursuing a Masters or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or related program

• Minimum GPA 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 after completion of the internship

• Experience utilizing engineering / modeling tools such as MATLAB and/or Python

• Completed graduate course work in the areas of signal processing or communications

• Pursuing an electrical engineering career in the area of signal processing and/or communications

• 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: 

• GPA 3.5 or higher

• Active security clearance

• Completed coursework in the area(s) of radio communications theory, optical communication, or digital signal processing

• Experience in developing and delivering presentations, leading small groups, etc.

• Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people