2027 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Undergrad Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•Chantilly, VA

9d•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an undergraduate intern for its Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) in the Mission Payloads Division. The SMSD team develops remote sensing systems, supporting work that includes optics and electro-optical focal plane array performance, end-to-end sensing system modeling, scene and atmosphere simulation, data processing and computer vision algorithms, and simulated data products. The intern will use department and commercial analysis tools and techniques across remote sensing applications, contribute to modeling and simulation software, advise internal customers on system performance, and conduct studies whose results inform decisions. Training and mentorship will be provided. This is a full-time, onsite position in Chantilly, Virginia, with a minimum 10-week commitment outside the university term. The intern must be able to return to a full-time degree program after the internship.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university program 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.
Be available to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside the university term and return to a degree program full-time after the internship.
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Have strong scientific programming skills in at least one language such as Python, C++, Matlab, or IDL.
Have strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.
Provide transcripts.
Demonstrate strong written and oral communication, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, organizational and time-management skills, flexibility, and interpersonal skills for coordinating with internal and external organizations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Leadership experience and ability to mentor, teach, or coach others.
Experience with 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 with tools such as MODTRAN.
Experience with Agile software development and Atlassian tools such as Jira or Confluence.
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.

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.