2027 Lidar Graduate Intern
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and advanced technologies. PSL operates more than 150 specialized laboratories for testing, analyzing, and troubleshooting rocket and satellite systems. The Photonics Technology Department is hiring an Atmospheric Lidar Graduate Intern to perform research and development and support program needs involving emerging photonic technologies and platforms, including lidar sensors, fiber laser systems, integrated photonics, and linear/Geiger mode photodiodes. The intern will work on laser and lidar projects involving atmospheric lidar, 3D remote-sensing lidar and imaging for space-based systems, and atmospheric aerosol characterization. Training and mentorship will be provided. The position is full-time and on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. Duties and responsibilities may change or be assigned as needed.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university program pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Sciences, Optical Science, Physics, or a related discipline.
- Available to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a master’s or Ph.D. program full-time after the internship.
- Undergraduate degree completed by the internship start date.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Experience with atmospheric optics or physics, laser sensors, or lidar sensors.
- Experience with a programming language such as Python, C++, or MATLAB for system control, system testing, and data analysis.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work well 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.
- Provide transcripts.
Nice To Haves
- Active security clearance.
- Knowledge of atmospheric lidar, atmospheric characterization, remote sensing, lasers, or closely related fields.
- Familiarity with atmospheric science open-source libraries.
- Experience with orbital mechanics and trajectory-planning tools such as Poliastro, Skyfield, WGS84, or SGP4.
- Prior experience with lidar system development, atmospheric lidar, photonic integrated circuits, or active or passive remote sensing.
Responsibilities
- Perform research and development and support program needs related to emerging photonic technologies and platforms.
- Work on laser and lidar projects.
- Support projects involving atmospheric lidar, 3D remote-sensing lidar and imaging for space-based systems, and atmospheric aerosol characterization.
- Coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.
- Adapt to changing organizational needs and assigned duties.
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 and 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
