2027 Hardware Security Engineering Grad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

7d • $32 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Graduate Hardware Security Engineer Intern for the Cyber and 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, or Chantilly, Virginia, office. The intern will join the Hardware Security and Specialty Engineering section and contribute to research, development, and applications that help secure National Security Space Systems.

ISCD combines information-system technologies with expertise in cybersecurity, software architecture and engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, process improvement, and software development. CMTD works on hardware security, advanced cryptography, network security, and embedded and specialized compute solutions, supporting customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command, the National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, and other civil partners.

The internship requires availability to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside the university term and to return to a full-time degree program after the internship. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one. Transcripts are required. Temporary housing assistance is not available. Compensation is $32.00–$35.00 per hour.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university graduate degree program in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related program.
• Available to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a full-time degree program after the internship.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Experience with FPGA design, including familiarity with VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog, and major vendor tools such as AMD Xilinx, Microchip, and Intel Altera.
• Experience with embedded system design, such as Xilinx Zynq/MicroBlaze, ARM, or Altera NIOS.
• Experience coding and scripting with languages such as C, C++, Python, Perl, or Shell.
• Hands-on experience with Linux environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• 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.
• Innovation, creativity, and initiative.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
• Transcripts are required.

Nice To Haves

• GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Active security clearance.
• Experience with hardware security.
• Experience with machine learning.
• Experience with ASIC/FPGA verification tools, such as linting, clock-domain crossing, X-propagation, or requirements traceability, using tools from vendors such as Mentor Graphics, Cadence, or Synopsys.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to hardware security research, development, and applications to help secure National Security Space Systems.
• Define threat paths and develop guidance on vulnerability mitigations for FPGA, ASIC, and embedded systems.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and debug hardware and firmware issues.
• Assist in developing and improving microelectronics assurance policy, requirements, and documentation.
• Collaborate with other Aerospace departments and external organizations to develop technical demonstrations and capabilities.
• Learn and grow through new work opportunities, training, and mentorship from experienced staff.

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.
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern