2026 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Engineering Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

49d•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 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Engineer - Grad 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 Chantilly, VA 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. â 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. â Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories and prototyping capabilities, enables SMSD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline.
Undergraduate degree completed and enrolled into graduate degree program 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 degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Strong scientific programming skills in at least one of: Python, C++, Matlab, IDL
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
This position requires the ability to obtainâ and maintainâ a security clearance,â 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 need.
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.

Nice To Haves

GPA 3.5 or higher
Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor, teach, or coach others.
Experience with any of the following, through coursework and/or prior internship(s).
Electro-optical system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications.
Computation of sensor performance figures of merit (e.g., SNR, NESR).
Evaluation of sensor hardware performance.
Synthetic scene generation (with tools such as DIRSIG or Unreal Engine).
Modeling atmospheric radiative transfer effects (with tools such as MODTRAN).
Agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).
Active security clearance

Responsibilities

Applying SMSD and COTS analysis tools and techniques for applications including image chain modeling, scene simulation, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, lidar and 3D remote sensing, radio frequency remote sensing, product quality metrics, optics, calibration, and/or data simulation.
Applying best practices for modeling & simulation software development to augment existing software capabilities.
Advising internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance.
Performing, documenting, and presenting results of studies to inform and influence decisions.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.
Training and mentorship will be provided

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
A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect