2027 Lidar Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

6h • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Physical Sciences Laboratories support national security systems through scientific research and advanced technology applications. The Photonics Technology Department is hiring a graduate intern to conduct 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 role focuses on laser and lidar projects, with technology areas including 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 El Segundo, California facility, for at least 10 weeks outside the university term. The intern must be able to return to a full-time master’s or Ph.D. program after the internship. Temporary housing assistance is not available.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university master’s or Ph.D. program 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.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work well in a team; organizational, time-management, and project-management skills; flexibility and adaptability; and interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts 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.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with lidar system development, atmospheric lidar, photonic integrated circuits, or active or passive remote sensing.
• Active security clearance.
• Knowledge of atmospheric lidar, atmospheric characterization, remote sensing, laser technology, 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.

Responsibilities

• Work on laser and lidar projects.
• Perform research and development and support program needs related to emerging photonic technologies and platforms.
• Contribute to work involving atmospheric lidar, 3D remote-sensing lidar and imaging for space-based systems, and atmospheric aerosol characterization.
• Use programming for system control, system testing, and data analysis.
• Adapt to changing organizational needs and coordinate work with internal and external organizations.

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 based on years of service 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.

What This Job Offers

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