2026 Enterprise Performance Modeling and Simulation Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

37d•$32 - $48•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. 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!

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

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.

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