2026 Propulsion Engineering Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

3d•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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Propulsion Department within VSD develops and evaluates cutting-edge propulsion technologies and systems for current and future government and commercial applications. The motto of the department is “We Deliver”; we deliver timely, objective, and actionable technical advice so that programs can execute efficiently toward mission success. We are hiring a Propulsion Engineering Graduate-level Intern to assist with tasks involving analysis, research, and/or experimentation of propulsion systems for high-priority missions; projects may involve liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, and/or spacecraft propulsion systems. You must have a strong technical foundation and be willing to learn new technologies and systems, and effectively communicate results. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed Training and mentorship will be provided

Requirements

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related discipline
Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Master’s or Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Proficiency with standard office software, engineering tools, and scientific/technical programming environments and languages including MATLAB and/or Python
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
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 needs
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
General knowledge of mechanics and thermodynamics of rocket propulsion
Experience in combustion/reacting flows, turbomachinery, rocket engine testing, properties of engineering materials, and/or propulsion system engineering/design
Experience in analyzing dynamic phenomena, such as rotordynamics, inducer cavitation, and POGO oscillations, etc.
Experience with or knowledge of the design, analysis, testing, and/or operation of solid rocket motors
Experience/familiarity with spacecraft propulsion systems including hypergolic systems and/or refueling
Experience with data acquisition and instrumentation systems
Familiarity with digital engineering concepts and processes

Responsibilities

Provide support to launch vehicle and/or spacecraft program customers
Participate in the analysis and modeling of propulsion system performance, applications and technologies
Develop tools to assess performance of propulsion systems in ground test and flight
Support propulsion laboratory research efforts that may include set-up and execution of experiments
Present findings to team members, customers, and leadership

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