2026 Mission Engineering Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation • Chantilly, VA

1d • $32 - $48 • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a G raduate Mission Engineering Intern. The Mission Engineering Department (MED) drives integration of Aerospace’s strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The department leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. MED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA, Huntsville, AL, Colorado Springs, CO or El Segundo, CA. What You’ll Be Doing [ Provide technical expertise and leadership in mission engineering methods, processes, and tools to a broad range of customers, including National Security Space (NSS), Golden Dome America, and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, and others Participate on interdisciplinary teams in ongoing research or technical programs with other engineering interns, experienced professionals and members of the U.S. government Members of the Mission Engineering Department evaluate and assess customer mission-integration needs and/or challenges, develop end-to-end mission threads, and provide timely advice, make recommendations to enterprise leaders on risks, issues, and gaps, and develop recommended solutions to enable desired mission outcomes. Conduct mission analysis by examining operational objectives, capabilities, functions, organizations, systems, data and networks required to create the desired mission effects Apply mission-engineering tradecraft (e.g., develop models) to build and analyze end-to-end effects-chains. You’ll be working with collaborative teams that will be covering the breadth of the mission threads, and performing innovative engineering analysis to assess capability performance required for the mission thread.

Requirements

• Strong initiative and perseverance to work in on dynamic projects
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, math, or related discipline
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate program or current graduate program
• Experience designing or developing space systems, space architectures, or conducting space operations
• Demonstrated ability to be a successful team member on systems engineering teams, projects, or programs
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
• U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts required

Nice To Haves

• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications
• Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
• Prior internships with organizations supporting National Security Space, NASA, civil or commercial space companies
• Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and leadership in mission engineering methods, processes, and tools to a broad range of customers, including National Security Space (NSS), Golden Dome America, and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, and others
• Participate on interdisciplinary teams in ongoing research or technical programs with other engineering interns, experienced professionals and members of the U.S. government
• Evaluate and assess customer mission-integration needs and/or challenges, develop end-to-end mission threads, and provide timely advice, make recommendations to enterprise leaders on risks, issues, and gaps, and develop recommended solutions to enable desired mission outcomes.
• Conduct mission analysis by examining operational objectives, capabilities, functions, organizations, systems, data and networks required to create the desired mission effects
• Apply mission-engineering tradecraft (e.g., develop models) to build and analyze end-to-end effects-chains.
• Work with collaborative teams that will be covering the breadth of the mission threads, and performing innovative engineering analysis to assess capability performance required for the mission thread.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

What This Job Offers

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