Apply on Employer Site

The Aerospace Corporation · 13 hours ago

2026 Defensive Cyber Operations Undergrad Intern

El Segundo, CA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$25/hr - $26/hr

Start in 2026

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. They are hiring Defensive Cyber Operations Undergrad Interns to research and develop on-board defensive capabilities and build innovative prototype tools to improve cybersecurity posture for mission systems.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Research and develop on-board defensive capabilities to protect Space Vehicles

Build innovative prototype tools and techniques to improve the cybersecurity posture of mission systems using current technologies such as containerization, cloud infrastructure, and automation

Apply security orchestration and cyber deception tools and technologies to measure effectiveness and impact on mission systems

Proactively interact with customers by communicating project status, technical findings, and give technical demonstrations

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

Training and mentorship will be provided

Qualification

Cybersecurity research experiencePython programmingC programmingUnix/Linux familiaritySecurity+ certificationSIEMSOAR toolsContainer tools (Docker/Kubernetes)Written communication skillsTeamworkOrganizational skillsTime managementProject managementInterpersonal skills

Required

Currently enrolled full time at an accredited college/university degree program pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related program

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

Minimum GPA 3.0

Specific interest and demonstrated cybersecurity research experience related to side-channel analysis of embedded systems

Coursework and/or academic experience coding in Python, C, or another relevant programming language

Familiarity working in Unix/Linux environments

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 required

Preferred

Security+ or any other security certifications

Experience with SIEM or SOAR tools

Experience with container tools such as Docker or Kubernetes

Active security clearance

GPA 3.5 or higher

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