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The Aerospace Corporation · 1 day ago

2026 Mission Engineering Graduate Intern

Chantilly, VA

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 in space-related challenges. The Graduate Mission Engineering Intern will provide technical expertise in mission engineering methods and participate in interdisciplinary teams to assess customer mission-integration needs and develop solutions for desired mission outcomes.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise and leadership in mission engineering methods, processes, and tools to a broad range of customers, including National Security Space (NSS), Golden Dome America, and other defense programs, NASA, NOAA, and others

Participate on interdisciplinary teams in ongoing research or technical programs with other engineering interns, experienced professionals and members of the U.S. government

Members of the Mission Engineering Department evaluate and assess customer mission-integration needs and/or challenges, develop end-to-end mission threads, and provide timely advice, make recommendations to enterprise leaders on risks, issues, and gaps, and develop recommended solutions to enable desired mission outcomes

Conduct mission analysis by examining operational objectives, capabilities, functions, organizations, systems, data and networks required to create the desired mission effects

Apply mission-engineering tradecraft (e.g., develop models) to build and analyze end-to-end effects-chains

You’ll be working with collaborative teams that will be covering the breadth of the mission threads, and performing innovative engineering analysis to assess capability performance required for the mission thread

Qualification

Aerospace EngineeringSystems EngineeringMission EngineeringSpace Systems DesignProject ManagementTeam CollaborationCommunication SkillsTime Management

Required

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a master's or doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, math, or related discipline

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 of 3.0 in the undergraduate program or current graduate program

Experience designing or developing space systems, space architectures, or conducting space operations

Demonstrated ability to be a successful team member on systems engineering teams, projects, or programs

This position requires the 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

Strong initiative and perseverance to work in on dynamic projects

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

Preferred

GPA of 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse set of collaborators

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present methods and results effectively in briefings, formal reports, and informal communications

Exceptional time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects

Prior internships with organizations supporting National Security Space, NASA, civil or commercial space companies

Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge through self-study and proactive engagement with mentors and subject matter experts

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