2026 Modeling and Simulation Engineering Undergrad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•$23 - $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 Modeling and Simulation Engineering Undergrad Intern for the Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in Colorado Springs, CO. Job Summary At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD! The SMSD team includes scientists and engineers across a broad range of disciplines actively engaged in developing the next generation of remote sensing systems of national importance. SMSD supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical focal plane arrays, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, simulating target scenes and atmospheres, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications. Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories and prototyping capabilities, enables SMSD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. Aerospace helps ensure national security by providing robust modeling and simulation support to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This support enables the development and deployment of a layered missile defense system that safeguards the United States, its deployed forces, and allies from missile threats throughout all phases of flight. Selected intern will have the opportunity to learn and develop tools to analyze and visualize missile engagements and applying basic AI/ML techniques and algorithms to missile defense. This hands-on role will directly impact the development and deployment of layered missile defense systems protecting the US and its allies.

Requirements

Strong written and oral communication skills
Must work well in a team environment.
Possess organizational, time management and project management skills.
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need.
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.
Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering, or related discipline
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Familiar with one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, or MATLAB
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Transcripts are required for this position.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher
Background in one or more of the following categories: Optimization and decision support Software or simulation development
Fluency with one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, or MATLAB
Familiar with AI/ML, MBSE, or orbital dynamics
Active security clearance

Responsibilities

Apply evolutionary computing and multi-criterion decision making techniques to trade space analysis
Work with department staff as part of project teams
Apply in-house or custom-developed analysis tools as necessary
Develop new analysis tools and techniques as necessary
Exposure, training, and mentorship will be provided in some of the following areas: Orbital dynamics Missile intercept concepts and algorithms AI/ML Missile track fusion Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Cloud-based software development infrastructure

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