2026 Space Sciences 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.

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. 

This role within PSL’s Space Sciences Department is focused on conducting fundamental and applied space science research to solve hard problems related to effects of the space environment on space system design and operation.  This position will focus on magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere coupling, ionospheric dynamics that severely impact the positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) applications for both military and civilian users, as well as ground- and space-based sensor development. The role also includes reporting on scientific and application results through direct interactions with customers and corporate leadership, participation in scientific conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Space can be an incredibly harsh environment that can severely affect civilian and military radio frequency (RF) -based technological systems.  Apply your scientific expertise by utilizing a variety of observational data set and models to understand and characterize the upper atmosphere and its effects on applications and systems critically important for mission success.
• Topics could include RF propagation studies bouncing off the bottom side or transiting through the ionosphere, investigating how gradients modify the RF characteristics, impacts on positioning, navigation, and timing signals from GNSS systems, and radio-occultation analyses of on-orbit receivers. 
• Disseminate study and project results through customer briefings and reports, conferences and workshops, and peer-reviewed publications
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 
• Training and mentorship will be provided. 

What Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Strong software development skills, preferably in IDL, Python, Matlab 
• Must work well in a team environment.
• Possess organizational and time management skills. 
• 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 Ph.D. degree in space science, physics, or related discipline  
• Second year of graduate school 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 Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship
• Minimum GPA of 3.0  
• Completed coursework in a space physics curriculum including plasma physics, ionospheric physics, heliospheric physics, or related courses
• 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

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 in conducting space science research.
• Understanding of fundamental RF propagation and interactions.
• Familiarity with IDL or python
• Familiarity with GNSS (both space and ground-based) data 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 - Max)

$38.00 - $46.00

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.