2027 Electro-Optical Engineering Undergrad 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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Electro-Optical Engineering Undergrad Intern for the Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo.
At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!
Job Summary
The Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department (ISDAD) develops the nation's next generation of remote sensing systems for Department of Defense and national security customers. As an intern within ISDAD, you will be involved in supporting optical system design, analysis, and testing efforts for critical national security space programs
The Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department (ISDAD) develops the nation’s next generation of remote sensing systems for Department of Defense and national security customers. As an intern within ISDAD, you will be involved in optical system design, analysis, and testing efforts for critical national security space programs. Our projects range from short-turnaround prototypes through Class A satellites and from pre-proposal phases through on-orbit support. Design concepts, which are developed with a system focus, are analyzed against mission requirements and use cases to ensure performance meets mission needs. To determine on-orbit performance, systems are often evaluated collaboratively from an optical, thermal, and structural perspective in a concurrent engineering environment. Our work directly influences Government acquisition decisions as well as the design, development, and fielding of world class sensing capabilities that are crucial for national defense.
What You’ll Be Doing
Support the design, modeling, and analysis of passive electro-optical airborne and space-based remote sensing systems using standard ray tracing tools (e.g., CodeV, Zemax)
Assist in evaluating infrared sensor performance both theoretically and experimentally for long-range acquisition under varied visual environments and illumination conditions
Conduct data analysis and scripting tasks using MATLAB, Python or similar tools to support sensor performance evaluation
Participate in laboratory activities including assembly, alignment, and testing of electro-optical sensors
Support radiometric analysis and optical performance metric calculations for remote sensing systems
Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams (e.g., structural, thermal, and systems engineers) in a concurrent engineering environment
Assist in preparing technical documentation, presentations, and reports for government customers
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.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements
Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related discipline
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Strong computer programming skills (e.g., data analysis, scripting) in an engineering application environment such as MATLAB or Python
Coursework or academic project experience in optical systems, remote sensing, or electro-optical engineering
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US 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:
GPA 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Coursework or research experience in optical design, radiometry, or infrared systems
Familiarity with optical ray tracing software (CodeV, Zemax, FRED, or similar)
Experience with electro-optical sensors, imaging systems, or spectral analysis
Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment, integration, or testing
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)
$25.00 - $30.00
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,