2027 Hardware Security Engineering Undergrad  Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

5d•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 security of National Security Space Systems. The position is full-time and onsite in El Segundo, California, or Chantilly, Virginia. ISCD combines expertise in information-system technologies—including elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks—with cybersecurity, software architecture and engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, process improvement, and software development. CMTD addresses hardware security, advanced cryptography, network security, and embedded or specialized computing, supporting customers including Space Force’s Space Systems Command, the National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, and other civil partners. The internship is intended for a currently enrolled undergraduate pursuing a relevant bachelor’s degree. The intern must be available to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside the university term and return to a full-time degree program afterward. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. Transcripts are required. Temporary housing assistance is not available. The posted hourly pay range is $25.00–$30.00; individual pay is determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Requirements

Currently enrolled at an accredited college or university, pursuing a bachelor’s degree 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 from 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.
Innovation, creativity, and initiative.
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.
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.
Some experience with hardware security.
Some experience with machine learning.
Experience with other 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 to help secure 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 developing and improving microelectronics assurance policy, requirements, and documentation.
Collaborate with 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 benefits 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.