2024 Mechanical System 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.

Job Description

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Under-graduate-level Mechanical Systems Intern for an opportunity located in El Segundo, California.  

The group provides technical support in the following areas: design, analysis, integration, and testing of moving mechanical assemblies in space vehicles. All members of the section dynamically interact with other experts within the Aerospace Corporation, program offices, customers, and contractors to ensure mission success and national security.

Work Model:

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Perform analytical modeling of moving mechanical assemblies on space, launch, and reentry vehicles
• Use existing tools or develop new tools to assess mechanical component design and perform multi-body dynamics analyses
• Develop analytical techniques, concepts, and tools 
• Support laboratory activities, including planning, executing, and analyzing test data
• Prepare reports and deliver oral presentations as needed

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 an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering 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.
• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0  
• Familiar with SolidWorks or equivalent, Python, Linux, Labview or data acquisition software
• Courses taken in Mechanical Systems, Dynamics, Heat Transfer, and/or Design
• Experience using computational analysis
• 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 security clearance 
• Experience designing and constructing hardware
• Experience working both in a laboratory environment to run tests and with a computer to run computational analysis

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 - Mid - Max)

$25.00 - $26.00 - $28.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans