2026 Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

97d • $32 - $48

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 Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. As a core component of EED, the Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department (EOFDD) provides flight mechanics expertise for launch vehicles and space vehicles. Relevant skills include orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and atmospheric flight modeling and simulation. The selected candidate will provide expertise for a wide range of customer flight mechanics needs, supporting both analysis and research and development requests. The work will require candidates to provide deep technical solutions while also collaborating with engineering partners to facilitate integrated solutions for our customers’ hardest problems. Customers will include defense, intelligence, and civil and commercial organizations. The Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern will provide trajectory analysis and optimization support for spacecraft, launch, reentry vehicles, and missiles, for Earth-centric and interplanetary missions. This opportunity will support conceptual design/technology assessments, pre-launch analysis for on-contract programs, launch and Mission Ops, and end-of-life phases. Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) trajectory design and Cis-Lunar trajectory work will also be focal points for this role. The Trajectory Intern will provide trajectory optimization insights for contested space applications in addition to traditional mission needs over the summer internship.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master’s or PhD Degree in aeronautical, astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines
• 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
• First year of graduate school completed by internship start date
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Graduate Level Course work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: Orbit mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation
• Experience programming in C, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB
• Software design, development, unit testing, and integration experience
• Must be able to obtain a security clearance; US Citizenship required
• Transcripts required for this position

Nice To Haves

• GPA 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance
• Experience in developing and delivering presentations, leading small groups, etc.
• Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems
• Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, launch vehicles, upper stages, missiles, and reentry vehicles
• Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners
• Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks
• Work on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees