2026 Finance and Business Operations Undergraduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•$24 - $24•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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. Aerospace provides a broad range of acquisition planning and systems engineering analysis support across the space enterprise. We analyze cost, schedule, technology/supplier, and economic aspects within, and across, programs. We enhance acquisition system performance via data-driven understanding to shape and mitigate the decision risk associated with acquiring space and space-related capabilities. We provide a range of information and knowledge management capabilities to enhance acquisition analysis and support. This position will be full-time and located onsite in El Segundo, CA

Requirements

Enrolled fulltime in an accredited Masters or PhD degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, or a related discipline of science and technology
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.
Completion of Junior year of school prior to internship start date
Transcripts required
Foundational knowledge of space and ground systems, systems engineering, cost estimation, or government acquisition process
Ability to collect and organize data from diverse sources (e.g., market research and vendor quotes)
Proficiency in MS Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis functions)
Proficiency in analyzing complex data, understanding variability, identifying trends, and conducting sensitivity analyses for cost and schedule projects
Ability to present and communicate complex information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to work and communicate effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, multidisciplinary environment.
Critical thinking skills to synthesize data from multiple sources and support sound decision-making.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Familiarity with programming languages (Python or VB) for tool development
Knowledge of project management principles and their relationship to cost and schedule

Responsibilities

Analyze cost, schedule, and technical data to inform acquisition decisions and evaluate program credibility.
Support acquisition engineering through life cycle cost (LCC) analysis, trade studies, and contractor assessments.
Apply operations research and management science (ORMS) methods to optimize program planning and resource allocation.
Develop and assess Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), conducting Schedule Risk Assessments (SRAs), and identify key program risks and cost drivers.
Support applied research in cost modeling, schedule forecasting, and enterprise decision tools.
Collaborate with technical teams and mentors to refine methods and develop tools and data products that support government decision-makers.
Communicate analytical findings through clear, data-driven reports and presentations.

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