2026 Thermostructures Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

13d•$32 - $38•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 Thermostructures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. Our team is seeking a well-qualified Thermostructures Graduate Intern, with a growing foundation in solid mechanics, practical experience in structural analysis using both hand calculations and finite element analysis techniques, a passion for the space industry, and a desire to apply their expertise and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges. The Thermostructures Section has insight into liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic technologies being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

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 full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Masters or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
Undergraduate 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
Coursework relevant to concepts in one or more of the following: finite element analysis, advanced structural mechanics, and/or fracture mechanics
Experience with flight hardware – design, analysis or hands-on are all acceptable
Minimum GPA of 3.0
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

Nice To Haves

GPA 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Experience with ANSYS Workbench, Abaqus, HyperWorks, Nastran, NASGRO, C, C++, HTML, Python, Matlab and/or JAVA
Experience in developing and delivering presentations
Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects
Experience in working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch
Software/hardware design, development, unit testing, and integration experience
Participation in extracurricular activities related to your field of study

Responsibilities

Learning about the design, analysis, and test methodologies related to thermostructural flight hardware, such as liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic technologies
Help with the assessment of strength, fracture-life, structural integrity, and stability of thermostructural flight hardware exposed to mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads
Creating and running Finite Element Models to simulate failure modes seen during environmental testing of thermostructural flight hardware
Developing novel software capabilities to facilitate the support of contractor hardware investigations
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
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect