Aero

2026 Enterprise Performance Modeling and Simulation Graduate Intern

Colorado Springs, CO Full time

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.

Job Family: Engineering Integration – Modeling and Simulation Engineering

Job Summary

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects. 

The Cross-Mission Effectiveness Department (CMED) in the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) leads integration and application of modeling and simulation capabilities and modern analysis workflows to support end-to-end effects chain analysis and space and space-enabled campaign modeling. As an intern with the Cross-Mission Effectiveness Department, you will directly contribute to technical capabilities that support our customers in modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) of space, air, and ground-based systems of systems to investigate architecture and concept of operations (CONOPS) performance in nominal and contested operating environments. MS&A focus areas include agent-based modeling, red vs blue simulations, military utility and capability drawdown, killchain effectiveness, enterprise architecture resiliency, and command and control (C2) evaluation. Our interns work as part of a team on multiple projects with project mentors, full time staff, and other interns to apply existing skills and expand their MS&A knowledge. We support a variety of customers with diverse program portfolios, and we are looking for curious and innovative teammates to help us address our customers’ hardest problems!

Work Model:  

100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Learn, use, and contribute to the development of engineering analysis software tools.
  • Assist with conducting technical deep dives, trade studies, and assessments on multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Develop and deliver technical presentations and reports.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

  • Accepted to or enrolled in an advanced degree program (Masters or Ph.D.) in engineering (aerospace, astronautical, mechanical, or software), computer science, physics, operations research, or closely related technical field from an accredited school.
  • Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a (Master's/Phd) degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
  • Experience with developing, implementing, and applying software scripts/models/algorithms.
  • Skill with a programming language including or similar to Python, C++, or MATLAB.
  • A history that shows personal accountability, desire to learn and ability to manage several simultaneous tasks
  • 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:

  • Experience with a toolkit or framework including or similar to AFSIM, STK, or GMAT.
  • Direct experience with agent-based modeling, red vs blue simulations, military utility and capability drawdown, killchain effectiveness, enterprise architecture resiliency, and command and control (C2).
  • Knowledge of missile tracking/warning/defense architecture components and CONOPS.
  • Knowledge of tracking and estimation theory for space and ground applications.
  • Experience developing and presenting analysis results.
  • Current and active Top-Secret Clearance (TS) with SCI access.

Temporary housing assistance is not available. 

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and providing opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, SWFT companies are focused on building a skilled, innovative, and sustainable space workforce required to maintain U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program. 

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 - Max)

$32.00 - $48.00

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

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.