2026 Thermal Analysis Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•$32 - $38•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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Thermal Physics Section within the Fluid Mechanics Department is looking for a Thermal Analysis Graduate Intern to provide design and analysis support for the thermal environments of launch and reentry vehicles. The qualified candidate works with internal and external customers as a technical authority in the physics of heat and mass transfer. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. What You’ll Be Doing Conduct analyses, modeling, planning, and review functions associated with heat transfer and fluid mechanics pertaining to launch and reentry vehicles Assess steady and transient heat and mass transfer with wide variety of boundary conditions, including coupled physics and phase change Participate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues Support on-site and off-site technical interchange meetings, review of contractor analyses, as well as hardware and mission assurance reviews Maintain technical currency and stay abreast of advances in the areas of heat transfer and fluid mechanics related to launch and reentry vehicles Provide objective technical viewpoints to government and civil customers Work closely with program offices and interface with contractors, Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed Training and mentorship will be provided What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 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

Requirements

Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related discipline
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Master's or PhD degree program full-time after completion of the internship
Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date
Background in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics theory
Familiarity in one or more of the following areas: pyrolysis/ablation, component/system thermal modeling, aeroheating
Experience in computational thermal analysis or fluid dynamics
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Transcripts required
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

Nice To Haves

Active security clearance
Graduate-level coursework in convective and radiative heat transfer, mass transfer, and incompressible and compressible flows
Experience in pyrolysis/ablation, component thermal modeling, thermal qualification testing, and/or aeroheating
Experience in use of computational thermal analysis and fluid dynamics
Experience in use of experimental methods, hardware, and instrumentation

Responsibilities

Conduct analyses, modeling, planning, and review functions associated with heat transfer and fluid mechanics pertaining to launch and reentry vehicles
Assess steady and transient heat and mass transfer with wide variety of boundary conditions, including coupled physics and phase change
Participate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues
Support on-site and off-site technical interchange meetings, review of contractor analyses, as well as hardware and mission assurance reviews
Maintain technical currency and stay abreast of advances in the areas of heat transfer and fluid mechanics related to launch and reentry vehicles
Provide objective technical viewpoints to government and civil customers
Work closely with program offices and interface with contractors
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Benefits

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
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