2027 Digital Communication Undergraduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•$26 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Digital Communication Undergraduate Intern for the Digital Communications Implementation Department (DCID) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). The position is full-time and 100% onsite at the company’s El Segundo, California office. DCID uses software-defined radios and FPGA technology to develop advanced communication and navigation system prototypes addressing challenging digital communication problems. The division works across communication architectures and implementation, including satellite communications, wideband links, command and telemetry, terrestrial networks, and related technologies. The intern will develop and implement signal-processing algorithms for GPS/GNSS receivers, communication transceivers, and digital signal processing, primarily on FPGA hardware. Work also includes analyzing performance with simulation tools, prototyping real-time systems, and researching advanced signal processing, GPS technology, and reconfigurable communication systems. Assignments may vary and include simultaneous projects. Training and mentorship will be provided. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an advanced degree program in a relevant discipline and available to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside the university term, then return to full-time study. The role requires the ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required. Transcripts are required. The listed hourly pay range is $26.00–$30.00. Temporary housing assistance is not available.

Requirements

Currently enrolled full-time in an advanced degree program at an accredited college or university in engineering, mathematics, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
Available to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a degree program full-time after the internship.
Coursework or general knowledge of signal processing relevant to communication transceivers and/or hardware or software.
Ability to code and program using C/C++, Python, or MATLAB.
Proficiency working in Windows and/or Linux operating system environments.
Ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain the clearance.
Transcripts are required.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with hardware description languages such as VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog.
Experience in a laboratory environment with test equipment.
Coursework in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and/or Communication Theory.
Ability to take direction, work independently, and seek help when appropriate.
Ability to document, present, and communicate technical work.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement advanced signal-processing algorithms for GPS/GNSS receivers, communication transceivers, and/or digital signal processing, primarily on FPGA hardware.
Analyze signal-processing performance using MATLAB, Python, or similar simulation environments.
Prototype real-time systems for emulation and proof of concepts.
Conduct research related to advanced signal processing, GPS technology, and/or reconfigurable communication systems.
Work on varying tasks that may include simultaneous projects.

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 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.