2027 Control Analysis Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Control Analysis Department (CAD), within the Guidance and Control Subdivision of the Vehicle Systems Division, provides technical systems engineering and analysis for space-based control systems supporting Department of Defense, National Reconnaissance Office, and commercial programs. The department is developing control-analysis capabilities for increasingly modular and autonomous spacecraft and expanding control applications, including proximity operations for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. The selected intern will conduct technical studies, detailed analyses, and tool development related to satellite attitude or payload control, dynamics, and estimation. Work may include analyzing rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking scenarios; developing robotic platforms and algorithms for internal research and development; and designing, implementing, and testing attitude determination and control algorithms for CubeSat-class vehicles. Training and mentorship will be provided. Duties may change or be assigned as needed. This is a full-time internship for at least 10 weeks outside the university term. The intern must be able to return to a full-time master's or PhD program after the internship. The position is full-time and on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required. Temporary housing assistance is not available.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university program pursuing a master's or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
Be available to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside the university term and be able to return to a master's or PhD program full-time after the internship.
Have completed an undergraduate degree by the internship start date.
Have exposure to and interest in control systems.
Be familiar with analysis packages such as MATLAB/SIMULINK and/or programming languages such as C/C++ and Python.
Have experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain clearance.
Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, teamwork, organizational, time-management, project-management, adaptability, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Familiarity with control, dynamics, and estimation.
Familiarity with modeling and simulating control systems.
Experience with robotics systems and/or tools such as ROS or Gazebo.
Experience with simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), extended or unscented Kalman filters (EKF/UKFs), contact mechanics, computer vision, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence.
Eagerness to continue learning.

Responsibilities

Perform technical studies, detailed analyses, and tool development related to satellite attitude or payload control, dynamics, and estimation.
Analyze rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) scenarios.
Develop robotic platforms and algorithms for internal research and development efforts.
Design, implement, and test attitude determination and control algorithms for CubeSat-class vehicles.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus 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.