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 Thermostructures Section is part of the Structures Department within the Structural Mechanics Subdivision of VSD. Our team is seeking a well-qualified Thermostructures Graduate Intern, with a growing foundation in solid mechanics, practical experience in structural analysis using both hand calculations and finite element analysis techniques, a passion for the space industry, and a desire to apply their expertise and creativity to help solve a variety of technical challenges. The Thermostructures Section has insight into liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic technologies being developed across the aerospace industry and develops technical assessments to help inform government customer decisions. 

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

What you’ll be doing

• Learning about the design, analysis, and test methodologies related to thermostructural flight hardware, such as liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic technologies
• Help with the assessment of strength, fracture-life, structural integrity, and stability of thermostructural flight hardware exposed to mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads
• Creating and running Finite Element Models to simulate failure modes seen during environmental testing of thermostructural flight hardware
• Developing novel software capabilities to facilitate the support of contractor hardware investigations
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 
• 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 Masters or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
• Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date 
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Master's or Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship
• Coursework relevant to concepts in one or more of the following: finite element analysis, advanced structural mechanics, and/or fracture mechanics
• Experience with flight hardware – design, analysis or hands-on are all acceptable
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• 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 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance
• Experience with ANSYS Workbench, Abaqus, HyperWorks, Nastran, NASGRO, C, C++, HTML, Python, Matlab and/or JAVA
• Experience in developing and delivering presentations
• Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects
• Experience in working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch
• Software/hardware design, development, unit testing, and integration experience
• Participation in extracurricular activities related to your field of study

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)

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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.