2025 Communication Systems and Signal 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.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communication Systems and Signal Processing Graduate Intern for the Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be located in El Segundo, CA.

Job Summary

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. 

The Communication Systems Engineering Department (CSED) helps our customers solve the hardest problems in Satellite Communications, Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), and Electronic Warfare. As an intern within CSED, you will be modeling and simulating wireless communication system architectures and supporting laboratory activities to enable impactful research and prototyping of communication system designs for our customers. Your technical expertise will help support various US Government military and national program needs as well as shape their futures!

Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

Work Model: 

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Apply academic knowledge to practical tasks in digital communication systems engineering under supervision and guidance.

• Model and simulate satellite communication systems.

• Use laboratory hardware to take quantifiable measurements.

• Conduct analyses and present technical findings to team members and customers.

• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team.

• 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 a Master's or PhD program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or other 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.

• Coursework, academic projects and/or prior internships related to communication systems and signal processing.

• Demonstrated mastery of engineering, mathematical, and scientific fundamentals consistent with your education to date.

• Experience programming in Python, MATLAB, C++, or another language.

• 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 3.5 or higher  

• Active security clearance

• Coursework in probability and statistics

• Experience in engineering design projects.