2027 Communication Architectures Modeling and Analysis Engineering Undergraduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a full-time undergraduate intern for the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). The position is 100% onsite in El Segundo, California. CAD performs trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize communication performance across terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems; guides spectrum regulations and policy development; and develops RF communications prototypes, particularly those involving commercial LEO satellite systems. The intern will analyze communication systems and architectures, develop analysis tools, assess satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols, and gain hands-on experience designing, constructing, and evaluating prototype RF systems. Work products will be documented in customer and colleague briefings and/or technical reports. Tasking may vary and include simultaneous projects. Training and mentorship will be provided. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, so U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university program pursuing a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or another STEM-related discipline.
Minimum GPA of 3.0; transcripts are required.
Available to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a degree program full-time after the internship.
Programming experience in Python, C/C++, or Matlab.
Exposure to modern development practices, including Git for version control.
Familiarity with, or coursework/project experience in, communications theory, digital signal processing, electromagnetics, or satellite communications.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work well in a team environment, with organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Hands-on experience with RF measurement equipment, such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators, and proficiency in programmatically interfacing with these instruments.
Experience implementing AI/ML techniques, particularly for diverse data types in communications or signal processing.
Project experience involving analysis of wireless communication systems.
Demonstrated use of Git for version control, experience writing tests, and managing code through CI/CD pipelines.
Demonstrated interest in space and communication systems.
Active security clearance.

Responsibilities

Analyze communication systems to ensure architectures support mission objectives.
Develop tools to analyze and evaluate communication architectures.
Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols.
Design, construct, and evaluate prototype RF systems that interface with and assess satellite communications performance.
Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports for customers and colleagues.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options (benefits vary by job type; position itself is stated to be 100% onsite).
401(k) plan with company-paid benefits based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
Flexible spending accounts.
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
Relocation assistance.
Professional growth and development programs.
Education assistance programs.
Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
Competitive hourly compensation of $25.00–$30.00, with individual pay determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.