2026 Battery Test Lab 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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. 

The qualified candidate will become part of the Physical Sciences Laboratories, Energy Technology Department, Battery Test Lab, supporting the test and evaluation of spacecraft cells and batteries for flight programs. Work will involve hands-on, battery-related laboratory work to support designing and building custom test stations for space vehicle battery testing. An overall goal in this work is to develop innovative solutions to streamline battery testing, and to improve the battery test life cycle.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• You will work with an interdisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technicians in the Battery Test Lab with a focus on ongoing material, electrochemical, electrical engineering, and data science research areas.
• You will apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks, including:
  • Creating new battery cell tests and experiments
  • Fabricating custom test hardware and cabling
  • Assembling/soldering printed circuit boards
  • Performing cycle tests on various battery technologies
• You will also assist in innovating new testing solutions, including:
  • Developing new battery health diagnostic tools
  • Supporting the team on project designs, test protocols, and experimental validations
  • Performing analysis on battery test data to evaluate performance and identify improvements
  • Developing interface/communication codes for measurement & test equipment
• You will have the opportunity to develop and deploy robust data science analytical pipelines
  • Develop code to effectively handle high volumes of test data
  • Investigate actionable trends across test conditions
  • Integrate cutting-edge AI/ML tools to enhance battery performance analysis
• Receive hands-on training and mentorship to enhance your skills in material science, electrochemistry, electrical engineering, and data science
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 
• 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 an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, or related discipline
• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date 
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Bachelor's degree program full-time after completion of the internship
• Minimum GPA of 3.0  
• Experience operating in a laboratory environment
• Experience with developing, troubleshooting, and executing software programs/scripts (for example for data analysis, modeling, or hardware interface/control) using Python, MATLAB, or other high-level programming language
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a se