IC 2026 Electronic Components Failure Analysis Engineer

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.

Internship conversion position for the Parts, Materials & Processes (PM&P) department within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office 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.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

Our staff in the Parts, Materials & Processes (PM&P) Department includes subject matter experts across a broad range of areas pertaining to electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) parts procurement, qualification, application, anomaly resolution, as well as materials and processes. Our expertise combined with a sophisticated in-house electronic component laboratory deliver innovative analysis and PM&P program management capabilities to national space systems and civil customers.  We are looking for an Electronic Components Failure Analysis Engineer (Senior MTS – Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering) to perform lab analysis for root cause investigations and reliability studies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Utilize common root cause analysis methods and equipment during hands-on failure analysis of electronic components

• Perform independent verification and validation of contractor's methods for root cause analysis and corrective action

• Perform analytical studies for part reliability risk as well as future technology planning and development

• Plans and conducts work requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and adaptation/modification of a variety of techniques, procedures, and criteria

• Devises new approaches to problems encountered

• Frequent inter-organizational and outside customer contacts on matters of importance

• Laboratory assignments: Performs analytical studies, conducts tests, develops details of specifications, prepares details of analytical report findings, assists in planning and development of studies and design projects

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  

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or another appropriate discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• 0-1 year of industry work experience  

• Excellent communication skills to concisely provide advice to customers

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, collaborative applications (e.g., SharePoint, Confluence)

• Willing to travel to customer or vendor sites (domestically/internationally) approx. 25%

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. 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