2025 Aerospace Software Engineer Undergraduate 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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.  

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Undergraduate-level Aerospace Software Engineer Intern.

The Flight Systems Software Department performs independent verification and validation of flight software embedded within avionics systems aboard launch vehicles, spacecraft, and other vehicle systems. Our multidisciplinary staff provides technical oversight throughout the flight software development process, from requirements definition to day-of-launch and on-orbit operations. We develop high-fidelity closed-loop hardware and software testbeds to test the software to assess its readiness for flight. In addition, we develop and test real-time embedded software for CubeSats, drones and other emerging technologies. FSSD is seeking an Aerospace Software Engineer Intern with a passion for space and software development to be part of our team.

Work Model

• This position will be located 100% onsite in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing models of space system components such as sensors, actuators, and vehicle dynamics for use in software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and emulator-based simulators

• Conducting tests and perform analyses of software systems embedded within launch vehicles, spacecraft, CubeSats, and other mission-critical components of space systems.

• Participating in the development and maintenance of these simulations to support software validation, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and day-of-launch mission assurance activities.

• Developing tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college/university degree program pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Math, 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.

• Freshman class standing completed by internship start date

• Minimum GPA 3.0

• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)

• Some background and/or experience programming in one or more of the following languages: Java, C, C++, and Python

• This position requires 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

• Relevant course work or project experience in dynamics, control systems, control algorithm design, or modeling & simulation

• Coursework or experience relevant to launch vehicles and/or spacecraft (spacecraft design, rocket design, rocket club, etc.)

• Experience