2026 Multi-Skill Systems Engineering Graduate 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.

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; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. 

Within the Houston site, the Human Spaceflight department provides engineering support to our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. We are hiring a Multi-Skill Engineering graduate-level intern for an opportunity in the Human Spaceflight Department. In this role you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center with systems engineering and integration services and work with NASA on a variety of projects and programs, including the Gateway lunar space station. As a multi-skill systems engineer, you will be involved in Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) work, managing critical hazards and controls associated with Avionic System Hazards, verify sufficient fault tolerance, and provide recommendations to mitigate catastrophic hazards to the crew and/or vehicle for the Avionics hardware. You will also be responsible for documenting system level avionic architectures, Concept of Operations (Con-Ops), and interfaces of the integrated Avionics hardware for a variety of NASA spacecraft.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.   

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the development and review of Hazard Reports and Controls, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) products with S&MA Avionics Lead
• Support the development of Gateway Avionic System documentation: System Architecture, Con-Ops, Interfaces, and others as required
• Under supervision, perform integrated analysis and testing of the Gateway Avionics systems, hardware, and software in relation to other spacecraft systems, operational environment, and required operational capabilities.
• Review and assess spacecraft requirements and Verification & Validation (V&V) plans for Avionics System impacts, including integrated testing, analysis, and decomposition.
• Identify, communicate, track, and mitigate GW Avionics System risks
• Perform alternate architecture trade studies to inform decision-making.
• Present to appropriate boards, panels, or technical/status meetings 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 Master's or Ph.D. degree in either aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering, or related discipline  
• Undergraduate degree 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 Master’s or Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0  
• Familiarity with hardware testing, integration, and environmental testing protocols
• Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures
• Experience in managing multiple concurrent tasks and strong problem-solving skills
• Willing to travel domestically as needed
• 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

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
• Working knowledge of NASA standard practices, procedures and requirements
• Experience with human spaceflight programs, concepts, or projects

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

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
• A 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.