2027 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Undergrad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a full-time, onsite Sensor Modeling and Simulation Undergrad Intern for its Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), located in Chantilly, Virginia. SMSD scientists and engineers develop next-generation remote sensing systems of national importance, supporting system design and assessment, end-to-end sensing-system modeling, scene and atmosphere simulation, data processing and computer vision algorithms, and simulated data products. The department combines broad technical expertise with in-house laboratories and prototyping capabilities to provide solutions for national space systems and civil customers. The intern will use SMSD and commercial off-the-shelf analysis tools and techniques across remote-sensing applications, apply modeling and simulation software-development best practices to enhance existing capabilities, advise internal Aerospace customers on remote-sensing system performance, and conduct, document, and present studies to inform decisions. Training and mentorship will be provided. Duties and responsibilities may change or be supplemented as needed. 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.

Requirements

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline.
Available to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a degree program full-time after the internship.
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Strong scientific programming skills in at least one of Python, C++, MATLAB, IDL, or a similar language.
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively; organizational, time-management, and project-management skills; flexibility and adaptability; and interpersonal skills for coordinating with internal and external organizations.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Transcripts are required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Leadership experience and ability to mentor, teach, or coach others.
Coursework or internship experience in electro-optical system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications.
Experience computing sensor-performance figures of merit, such as SNR or NESR.
Experience evaluating sensor-hardware performance.
Experience with synthetic scene generation tools such as DIRSIG or Unreal Engine.
Experience modeling atmospheric radiative-transfer effects using tools such as MODTRAN.
Experience with agile software development and Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence.
An active security clearance.

Responsibilities

Apply SMSD and commercial off-the-shelf analysis tools and techniques to applications such as image-chain modeling, scene simulation, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, lidar and 3D remote sensing, radio-frequency remote sensing, product-quality metrics, optics, calibration, and data simulation.
Apply modeling and simulation software-development best practices to augment existing software capabilities.
Advise internal Aerospace customers on operational and research-and-development remote-sensing system performance.
Perform, document, and present study results to inform and influence decisions.
Coordinate work with internal and external organizations and contribute independently and collaboratively.

Benefits

Competitive compensation based on performance and individual qualifications; hourly pay range of $25.00–$30.00.
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.