2027 Embedded Software Engineering Grad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

2d•$32 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Graduate Embedded Software Engineer Intern for the Cyberspace & Mission Technology Department (CMTD) in the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD). The role is full-time and onsite at the company’s El Segundo, California office. ISCD combines information system technologies—including elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks—with expertise in cybersecurity, software architecture and engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver resilient, high-performance systems for Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers. The intern will support CMTD’s Embedded & Specialized Computing section through research and development of embedded prototypes in areas such as image and signal processing, accelerated computing, and AI/ML at the edge. The role provides design and implementation support to customers, translating emerging research into mission-critical space systems that advance satellite capabilities. The position requires current full-time graduate enrollment, at least 10 weeks of full-time availability outside the university term, and the ability to return to a degree program full-time afterward. A security clearance must be obtainable and maintainable; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one. Transcripts are required. Temporary housing assistance is unavailable. The hourly pay range is $32.00–$35.00.

Requirements

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university graduate degree program in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
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.
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Proficiency in at least one of: embedded systems design and development; software development for resource-constrained environments; edge AI/ML implementation; or FPGA design and development.
Proficiency in at least two of: C, C++, Python, or FPGA design languages/tools such as SystemVerilog, VHDL, or HLS frameworks.
Experience with leading hardware platforms and tool suites, such as AMD/Xilinx, Altera, Microchip, or ST Microelectronics.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
Transcripts are required.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
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.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Experience developing embedded software solutions for space, aerospace, or defense applications.
Ability to collaborate across hardware and software teams, especially on projects bridging CPU, FPGA, and GPU architectures.
Proficiency implementing AI/ML algorithms on embedded platforms using frameworks such as LiteRT (TensorFlow Lite), TensorRT, Vitis AI, or similar.
Experience using high-level synthesis (HLS) to accelerate and deploy algorithms on FPGAs.
Experience developing and optimizing CUDA kernels for embedded GPU applications.
Active security clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop embedded software solutions to evaluate novel processors and state-of-the-art onboard processing systems.
Prototype and test embedded software on platforms such as Linux-based SoCs, embedded GPUs, FPGAs, application-specific accelerators, microcontrollers, and emerging processors.
Design and optimize algorithms for low-SWaP embedded implementations in image processing, signal processing, and AI/ML application domains.
Work with Aerospace scientists to assess embedded processor radiation susceptibility and develop mitigations.
Present project status, technical findings, and technical demonstrations to the team and customer.
Participate in new work opportunities, training, and mentorship.

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.