2027 Electro-Optical Engineering Grad Intern
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Electro-Optical Engineering Grad Intern for the Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo. At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD! Job Summary The Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department (ISDAD) develops the nation's next generation of remote sensing systems for Department of Defense and national security customers. As an intern within ISDAD, you will be involved in supporting optical system design, analysis, and testing efforts for critical national security space programs The Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department (ISDAD) develops the nation’s next generation of remote sensing systems for Department of Defense and national security customers. As an intern within ISDAD, you will be involved in optical system design, analysis, and testing efforts for critical national security space programs. Our projects range from short-turnaround prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support. Design concepts, which are developed with a system focus, are analyzed against mission requirements and use cases to ensure performance meets mission needs. To determine on-orbit performance, systems are often evaluated collaboratively from an optical, thermal, and structural perspective in a concurrent engineering environment. Our work directly influences Government acquisition decisions as well as the design, development, and fielding of world class sensing capabilities that are crucial for national defense.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a master's or PhD degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- 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.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Strong computer programming skills (e.g., data analysis, scripting) in an engineering application environment such as MATLAB or Python
- Coursework or academic project experience in optical systems, remote sensing, or electro-optical engineering
- Coursework or research experience in optical design, radiometry, or infrared systems
- This position requires the 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 required.
Nice To Haves
- GPA 3.5 or higher
- Active security clearance
- Familiarity with optical ray tracing software (CodeV, Zemax, FRED, or similar)
- Experience with electro-optical sensors, imaging systems, or spectral analysis
- Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment, integration, or testing
Responsibilities
- Support the design, modeling, and analysis of passive electro-optical airborne and space-based remote sensing systems using standard ray tracing tools (e.g., CodeV, Zemax)
- Assist in evaluating infrared sensor performance both theoretically and experimentally for long-range acquisition under varied visual environments and illumination conditions
- Conduct data analysis and scripting tasks using MATLAB, Python or similar tools to support sensor performance evaluation
- Participate in laboratory activities including assembly, alignment, and testing of electro-optical sensors
- Support radiometric analysis and optical performance metric calculations for remote sensing systems
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams (e.g., structural, thermal, and systems engineers) in a concurrent engineering environment
- Assist in preparing technical documentation, presentations, and reports for government customers
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
