2026 Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•Huntsville, AL

1d•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 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. At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves. The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern for an opportunity in El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA and Albuquerque, NM 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 and space-enabled capabilities. As a core component of EED, the Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics (EMFD) Department provides flight mechanics expertise for the cislunar domain, multi-objective “traveling salesman” trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric modeling for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting analysis, research, and development requests. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers’ hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations. Work Model The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facilities in El Segundo, CA, Albuquerque, NM, or Chantilly, VA

Requirements

Strong written and oral communication skills
Must work well in a team environment
Must possess strong organizational, time management, and project management skills
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
Demonstrate behavior that is consistent with the company’s values of Dedication to Mission Success, Technical Excellence, Commitment to Our People, Objectivity and Integrity, and Innovation
Applying to or currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master’s or PhD Degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired.
Completion of Bachelor’s degree prior to internship start date
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.
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Graduate Level Course work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: orbital mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation
Experience programming in at least one of the following language: C/C++, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB
Software design, development, unit testing, and integration experience
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

Nice To Haves

GPA 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Experience in developing and delivering presentations, leading small groups, etc.
Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects

Responsibilities

Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems
Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, missiles, and reentry vehicles
Participates with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners
Applies standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks
Working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch
Training and mentorship will be provided

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
A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect