2027 Hardware Security Engineering Undergrad  Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

7d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Hardware Security Engineering Undergrad Intern for the Cyber and Mission Technology Department (CMTD) in the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD). The intern will join the Hardware Security and Specialty Engineering section and contribute to hardware security research, development, and applications supporting the protection of National Security Space Systems. CMTD works on hardware security, advanced cryptography, network security, and embedded and specialized compute solutions for customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command, the National Reconnaissance Office, and civil partners such as NASA. The position is full-time and onsite at the company’s office in El Segundo, California, or Chantilly, Virginia. The internship requires at least 10 weeks of full-time work outside the university term, followed by a return to a full-time degree program. The intern will receive opportunities to learn and grow through work, training, and mentorship. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university bachelor’s degree program in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Available to work full-time for at least 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, or SystemVerilog and major vendor tools from AMD Xilinx, Microchip, or Intel Altera.
Experience with embedded system design, such as Xilinx Zynq/MicroBlaze, ARM, or Altera NIOS.
Coding and scripting experience 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 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.
Transcripts are required.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Active security clearance.
Some experience with hardware security.
Some 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 directly to hardware security research, development, and applications supporting National Security Space Systems.
Define threat paths and develop guidance for mitigating vulnerabilities in FPGA, ASIC, and embedded systems.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and debug hardware and firmware issues.
Assist with the development and improvement of microelectronics assurance policy, requirements, and documentation.
Collaborate with other Aerospace departments and external organizations to develop technical demonstrations and capabilities.

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 a company-paid benefit 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.