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The Aerospace Corporation · 3 months ago

2026 Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern

Albuquerque, NM

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$32/hr - $48/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. The Trajectory Optimization Graduate Intern will provide trajectory analysis and optimization support for spacecraft, launch vehicles, and missiles, contributing to various mission phases and collaborating with engineering partners.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Develop and apply advanced techniques for solving flight mechanics and astrodynamics problems

Perform trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft, launch vehicles, upper stages, missiles, and reentry vehicles

Participates with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners

Applies standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks

Working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch

Training and mentorship will be provided

Qualification

Flight MechanicsAstrodynamicsTrajectory OptimizationProgramming in CFortranPythonMATLABOrbit MechanicsHypersonic Flight SimulationOptimal ControlTrajectory ModelingSimulationCommunication SkillsTeam CollaborationOrganizational SkillsTime ManagementProject ManagementInterpersonal Skills

Required

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or PhD Degree in aeronautical, astronautical engineering, physics or applied mathematics, or related disciplines is strongly desired

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

First year of graduate school completed by internship start date

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Graduate Level Course work, research and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: Orbit mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation

Experience programming in C, Fortran, Python, or MATLAB

Software design, development, unit testing, and integration experience

Must be able to obtain a security clearance; US Citizenship required

Transcripts required for this position

Strong written and oral communication skills

Must work well in a team environment

Must possess strong 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

Demonstrate behavior that is consistent with the company's values of Dedication to Mission Success, Technical Excellence, Commitment to Our People, Objectivity and Integrity, and Innovation

Preferred

GPA 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

Experience in developing and delivering presentations, leading small groups, etc

Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects

Benefits

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