2026 RF Spectrum Engineering Undergrad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

7h•$27 - $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. Aerospace is hiring an RF Spectrum Undergrad Intern for the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) within the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA. 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! CAD is responsible for performing trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems. CAD also guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources. Undergrad Intern will 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. Communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED). The division comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

Requirements

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related STEM discipline.
Minimum GPA 3.0
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 12 weeks outside of university term.
Ability to return to a degree program after completion of the internship.
Experience programming in Python, C/C++, or Matlab
Familiarity and/or coursework/project experience in communication theory, electromagnetics, or satellite communications
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

GPA 3.5 or higher
Exposure to concepts around orbits (i.e. orbital mechanics, satellites, space vehicles, etc.) and/or link budgets
Interest in spectrum management, spectrum policy, and spectrum regulations
Active security clearance

Responsibilities

Perform radio frequency interference analysis of communication systems to promote spectrum sharing and resolve spectrum contention issues.
Develop tools to provide analysis and evaluations of spectrum activities.
Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols.
Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues.
Tasking will vary during the internship and may include simultaneous projects.
Training and mentorship will be provided in this position.

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