2027 Propulsion Science Undergraduate Intern
About The Position
The Propulsion Science Department is seeking an undergraduate intern to support chemical and electric propulsion testing and research for national security and civil space programs. The role offers hands-on experience safely conducting experiments with gaseous, liquid, solid, or hybrid rocket propulsion systems, or performing plasma science or electric propulsion experiments in vacuum facilities. The department addresses launch and in-space propulsion challenges and plasma phenomena across development, from technology proof-of-concept through anomaly resolution of propulsion systems in service. The intern will participate in experiments in existing propulsion research facilities and laboratories and assist with advanced propulsion research and development. Potential research areas include liquid-propellant rocket engines, in-space chemical propulsion, solid rocket motors, detonation-based propulsion, ordnance, propellant chemistry and compatibility, combustion diagnostics, high-power and air-breathing electric propulsion, electrostatic discharge, EMI/EMC, multipactor, and plasma-material interactions. Training and mentorship will be provided, and duties may change as needed. This internship is full-time and on-site at the company's facility in El Segundo, California. The intern must be available for at least 10 weeks outside the university term and return to a full-time bachelor's degree program after the internship. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university and pursuing a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.
- Available to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a bachelor's degree program full-time after completing the internship.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Coursework in classical physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and chemistry.
- Familiarity with report writing and scientific analysis or engineering software.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
- Transcripts required.
- 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 with internal and external organizations.
Nice To Haves
- GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Active security clearance.
- Experience with compressed gases, cryogenic systems, and RF electronics.
- Experience with high-purity flow system components.
- Experience installing and operating load cells, thermocouples, pressure transducers, or flowmeters.
- Experience with MATLAB, SolidWorks, Python, and/or LabVIEW.
- Experience with NI LabVIEW, data acquisition system development, and PLC programming.
- Experience with electrostatic or optical plasma diagnostics.
- Coursework in propulsion, combustion, plasma physics, gas dynamics, electronics, or fluid mechanics.
- Experience supporting laboratory operations in high-vacuum test facilities.
Responsibilities
- Test and apply chemical and electric propulsion technologies in support of national security and civil space programs.
- Assist in the execution of advanced propulsion research and development.
- Safely participate in experiments in existing propulsion research facilities and laboratories.
- Support research that may involve rocket propulsion, electric propulsion, plasma science, propellant chemistry and materials, diagnostics, or related areas.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
