About the role#
The Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern will join the Earth Orbit Flight Dynamics Department to provide flight mechanics expertise. You will support a wide range of customer needs, including research and development, conceptual design, and mission operations. This role involves working on full life-cycle projects from inception through launch for spacecraft, launch vehicles, upper stages, missiles, and reentry vehicles. You will contribute to Earth-centric and interplanetary missions, including rendezvous and proximity operations, cis-lunar trajectory design, and contested space applications.
What you'll do#
- Develop and apply advanced techniques for flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems.
- Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization for various vehicle types.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on ongoing research and technical programs.
- Apply standard procedures to carry out scientific and engineering tasks.
- Provide trajectory analysis support for technology assessments, pre-launch analysis, and mission operations.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled full-time in a Master’s or PhD program in aeronautical or astronautical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related fields.
- Completion of the first year of graduate school by the start date.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Availability to work full-time for at least 10 weeks and the ability to return to your degree program afterward.
- Graduate level coursework or research in orbit mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, or trajectory modeling.
- Experience programming in C, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB.
- Experience with software design, development, unit testing, and integration.
- US Citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance.
- Transcripts are required.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, full-time internship for Summer 2027.
- The role is strictly on-site.
- Locations: El Segundo, California; Chantilly, Virginia; or Colorado Springs, Colorado.
About The Aerospace Corporation
The Aerospace Corporation operates as a nonprofit organization focused on space research and technology. Founded in 1960, the company provides technical expertise for national space programs and national security systems. It maintains a workforce of over 5,000 employees across offices in Virginia and California. The firm specializes in areas including launch vehicles, artificial intelligence, and space policy.
How to get in at The Aerospace Corporation
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