2026 Digital Communication Undergraduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

4d•$26 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Digital Communication Undergraduate Intern for the Digital Communications Implementation Department (DCID) within the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED). This position will be 100% onsite at our office located in El Segundo, CA. Job Summary The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on. Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications. DCID uses software-defined radios and FPGA technology to develop advanced communication and navigation system prototypes that solve our customer’s most challenging problems related to digital communication systems. Main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division. The division comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communication systems.

Requirements

Currently enrolled as a full-time student in an advanced degree in an accredited college/university program in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer engineering, electrical engineering or other related discipline.
GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 GPA scale)
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
Coursework or experience with development and/or use of computer code and/or technical software tools such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB
Comfortable using Windows and/or Linux OS
Develop and implement advanced signal processing algorithms with applications to GPS/GNSS receivers, communication transceivers and/or digital signal processing in hardware or in software.
This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance which is issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Transcripts required.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with hardware description languages such as VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog
Experience in a lab environment with test equipment.
Course work in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and/or Communication Theory
Ability to take direction, work independently, and seek help when appropriate.
Ability to document, present, and communicate technical work.
GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 GPA scale)

Responsibilities

Develop and implement advanced signal processing algorithms with applications to GPS/GNSS receivers, communication transceivers and/or digital signal processing primarily on FPGA hardware.
Analysis of signal processing performance using MATLAB, Python, or similar simulation environments.
Prototype cutting-edge real-time systems for emulation and proof of concepts.
Research pertaining to advanced signal processing, GPS technology and/or re-configurable communication systems.
Tasking will vary during the internship and may include simultaneous projects.
Training and mentorship will be provided in this position.

Benefits

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