2027 Digital Systems Engineering Graduate Intern

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 Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle.”

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED), part of SED, leads the charge in advancing the application of digital system models, digital threads and digital twin capabilities throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. Our work in Digital Engineering (DE) and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) encompasses research, prototyping, development, independent assessments, training, and guidance to help our customers realize complex space and defense systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll be Doing
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Graduate Summer Intern to join our team. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to develop, simulate, and analyze digital system models for space, ground, and launch architectures with a focus on MBSE methods, tools, and modeling language standards. As part of the DSED team, you will contribute to innovative and challenging projects that shape the future of digital systems engineering.

• System Architecture and Design: Build, validate, and simulate digital system models representing complex space and defense system architectures and design solutions.
• System Analysis: Develop complex queries and AI applications that interrogate digital system models for specific information, answering stakeholder questions.
• Digital Thread Implementation: Assist with federating digital system models with other digital engineering models (mechanical, structural, electrical, software), yielding end-to-end digital thread models.
• Digital Twin Realization: Develop virtual twin system models that interact with the corresponding physical twin through live telemetry updates.

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 

What You Need to be Successful

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program, pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline

  OR BS degree completed by internship start date and enrolled in a graduate STEM degree program beginning Fall 2027.

• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a (Master's/Phd) degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Foundational knowledge and some hands-on experience with simulation and analysis tools (e.g., Cameo Simulation Toolkit, MATLAB, Simulink, SimEvents, ModelCenter). A willingness to learn additional tools and languages is essential.
• Familiarity with descriptive modeling languages (e.g., UML, SysML v1/SysML v2, UAFML) and modeling tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, Sparx Enterprise Architect, or Rhapsody).
• Understanding of modeling methodologies such as OOSEM, MagicGrid, or SysMod is a plus.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the United States government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Minimum 3.3 GPA. 
• Experience with scripting or programming languages such as python, groovy, Java, or C++. 

• Experience with modeling languages and tools including one or more of the following: SysML, Cameo, Simulink, MATLAB, or similar.

• Knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle activities, including concept development, requirements definition, architecture, engineering design and analysis, and integration, verification and validation. 
• Familiarity with Digital Engineering concepts (e.g., Digital Ecosystem, Digital Thread, and Digital Twin) and tools such as Syndeia, Teamcenter, Windchill, CREO, or Solidworks. 
• OMG SysML or INCOSE ASEP certification. 
• Strong, demonstrated personal initiative.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and balance projects with conflicting time demands.

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$32.00 - $48.00

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.