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The Aerospace Corporation · 1 month ago

2026 Photonics Technologies Graduate Intern

El Segundo, CA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$32/hr - $48/hr

Start in 2026

The Aerospace Corporation is a trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, providing unmatched technical expertise in various aspects of space systems. They are seeking a graduate intern to work in the Photonics Technology Department, focusing on advanced photonic technologies such as quantum and microwave photonics, and signal processing, while participating in laboratory and theoretical research.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Participating with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing laboratory and theoretical research focused on advanced photonic technologies such as quantum and microwave photonics

Applying standard and novel techniques and procedures to carry out scientific, engineering, and/or computational tasks related to quantum technologies, RF photonics, and signal processing, including laboratory characterization of devices and system simulations

Developing novel techniques for analyzing advanced photonic systems

Presenting results to management and colleagues

Interacting with and learning from senior staff

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

Training and mentorship will be provided

Qualification

Quantum photonicsRF photonicsSignal processingScientific programmingResearch lab experienceAdvanced physics courseworkPhotonics simulation packagesMS Office proficiencyOrganizational skillsTeamworkCommunication skills

Required

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics, 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 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

Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar analytical language)

Prior experience working in a research or prototyping lab or performing numerical simulations

Completed coursework covering basic physics and mathematical methods

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

GPA of 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

Completed coursework in advanced physics (including nonlinear optics and/or quantum-related subjects), mathematical methods, and/or data analytics

Experience with specialty photonics simulation packages such as Lumerical, HFSS, Comsol

Experience performing independent research and/or development 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