2027 Structural Mechanics Undergraduate 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 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 Structural Mechanics Subdivision provides expertise in the areas of static and dynamic structures, mechanisms, environments, and materials for government and commercial space applications. As part of our lean, high-performance team, you will collaborate with aerospace companies and laboratories across the country to deliver the next generation of space systems. Your work will enable our customer to make critical decisions and deliver critical national capabilities in space on time, every time.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Developing, organizing, and improving software and simulation tools used to solve environments and/or structural dynamics problems
Improving tools and processes used to prepare test and/or flight sensor data for comparison to analytical predictions and for use in fleet monitoring
Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks
Documenting and presenting completed work and recommendations
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve to support growth and learning
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 fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace 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 Bachelor's degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
Junior class standing completed by internship start date
Familiar with Python and Matlab programming languages and environments
Demonstrated interest in structural mechanics specifically related to rocket and satellite structures
Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
This position requires 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
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
GPA of 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Familiar with modern software issue tracking systems, including Jira
Knowledge of signal processing, statistics, and other applied mathematical approaches
Completed course work in Statics/Dynamics, Vibration, Finite Element Analysis, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra
Prior engineering or project management experience in the aerospace industry
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)
$30.00 - $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
4