2027 Photonics Technologies Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department is hiring a graduate intern to support research and development in radio frequency (RF) photonics, photonic integrated circuits, quantum photonics, and/or fabrication techniques. The department develops photonics capabilities for space systems and helps ensure that systems reliably perform in the space environment. The position is full-time and on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. The internship requires at least 10 weeks of full-time availability outside the university term, followed by a return to a full-time master’s or Ph.D. program. Training and mentorship will be provided. The role is temporary housing assistance is not available.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university master’s or Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics, or a related discipline.
Be available to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside the university term and return to a master’s or Ph.D. program full-time after the internship.
Have completed an undergraduate degree by the internship start date.
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Demonstrate proficiency in scientific programming, such as Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or a similar analytical language.
Have prior experience working in a research or prototyping laboratory or performing numerical simulations.
Have completed coursework covering basic electrical engineering and/or physics principles.
Have strong written and oral communication skills.
Work well in a team environment.
Possess organizational, time management, and project management skills.
Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
Have interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.
Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Active security clearance.
Completed coursework in advanced physics and/or electrical engineering, such as RF communications, nanophotonics, photonic integrated circuits, nonlinear optics, or quantum-related subjects.
Experience with specialty photonics simulation packages such as Lumerical, HFSS, or Comsol.
Experience performing independent research and/or development projects.
Ability to incorporate Claude Code into daily workflow.

Responsibilities

Participate with an interdisciplinary team in laboratory and theoretical research on advanced photonic technologies, including quantum and microwave photonics.
Apply standard and novel techniques and procedures to scientific, engineering, and computational tasks related to quantum technologies and RF photonics, including device characterization and system simulations.
Develop novel techniques for analyzing advanced photonic systems.
Present results to management and colleagues.
Interact with and learn from senior staff.
Perform other duties and activities as assigned or as organizational needs change.

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.