Vehicle and Ground Concepts Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation

Graduate intern designing spacecraft and ground-system concepts for The Aerospace Corporation’s national space programs. Developing models, tools, and analyses with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Posted 9/7/2026internshipEl Segundo • California, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesEntry Level💰 $32 - $48 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates advanced knowledge in spacecraft subsystems and systems engineering, with proficiency in modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and Python. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Aerospace EngineeringSpacecraft DesignModeling And SimulationMATLABSecurity Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Spacecraft SubsystemsGround Systems DesignSystem EngineeringMechanical EngineeringComputer ScienceC++VBASolidWorksCameoSimulink

Soft Skills

LeadershipInterpersonal SkillsCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

MS OfficeCollaboration Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Graduate ProgramPh.D.Master’s DegreeGPATranscripts

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++PythonVBA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and support early-stage design studies for spacecraft and ground concepts
Conduct small individual studies and larger multidisciplinary efforts with subject matter experts
Lead and assist with development, maintenance, and improvement of tools and models used during spacecraft design and analysis
Collaborate with and learn from VGCD staff, program office personnel, Aerospace engineering teams, and Aerospace interns

Requirements

What you’ll need

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate program pursuing a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a MS or PhD degree program full-time after completion of the internship
Advanced knowledge of and/or relevant coursework in spacecraft subsystems, ground systems design, system engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or other related topics
Desire to work on both individual efforts and in large multi-disciplinary engineering teams
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communications skills
Proficiency with office and collaboration tools, such as MS Office
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Transcripts required
Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools and programming languages, including one or more of MATLAB, Python, Simulink, STK, C++, VBA, SolidWorks, Cameo, or similar (listed as a standout qualification)
Active security clearance (listed as a standout qualification)

Benefits

Comp & perks

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