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The Aerospace Corporation · 1 month ago

2026 Lidar Graduate Intern

El Segundo, CA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$32/hr - $48/hr

Start in 2026

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, providing unmatched technical expertise. They are seeking a Lidar Graduate Intern to perform research and development focusing on emerging photonic technologies and platforms such as lidar sensors and fiber laser systems.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Will be working on laser and lidar projects

Technology fields include: atmospheric lidar, 3D remote sensing lidar and imaging for space-based systems, and atmospheric aerosol characterization

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed

Training and mentorship will be provided

Qualification

Lidar system developmentAtmospheric lidarProgramming PythonProgramming C++Programming MATLABAtmospheric optics/physicsRemote sensingCommunication skillsTeamworkOrganizational skillsTime managementProject managementInterpersonal skills

Required

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Computer Sciences, Optical Science, Physics or related discipline

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

Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Experience with Atmospheric optics/physics, laser or lidar sensors

Experience in a programming language (such as Python, C++, MATLAB) for system control, system testing, and data analysis

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

Preferred

Active security clearance

Knowledge in one of these domains: atmospheric lidar, atmospheric characterization, remote sensing, laser, or closely related fields

Familiar with atmospheric science open-source libraries

Experience with orbital mechanics and trajectory planning tools (Poliastro, Skyfield, WGS84, SGP4)

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