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The Aerospace Corporation · 1 day ago

2026 Sensor Modeling and Simulation Engineering Graduate Intern

Chantilly, VA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

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 a Sensor Modeling and Simulation Engineer - Grad Intern to support the development of advanced remote sensing systems and deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Applying SMSD and COTS analysis tools and techniques for applications including image chain modeling, scene simulation, spectroscopy, computer vision, change detection and tracking, space domain awareness, lidar and 3D remote sensing, radio frequency remote sensing, product quality metrics, optics, calibration, and/or data simulation

Applying best practices for modeling & simulation software development to augment existing software capabilities

Advising internal Aerospace customers on operational and R&D remote sensing system performance

Performing, documenting, and presenting results of studies to inform and influence decisions

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

Training and mentorship will be provided

Qualification

PythonC++MatlabIDLElectro-optical system modelingData processingAgile software developmentCommunication skillsProblem-solving skillsTeamwork

Required

Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline

Undergraduate degree completed and enrolled into graduate degree program by internship start date

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

Strong scientific programming skills in at least one of: Python, C++, Matlab, IDL

Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

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

Preferred

GPA 3.5 or higher

Proven experience in leadership and ability to mentor, teach, or coach others

Experience with any of the following, through coursework and/or prior internship(s): Electro-optical system modeling, simulation, design, data processing, calibration, characterization, phenomenology, or applications

Computation of sensor performance figures of merit (e.g., SNR, NESR)

Evaluation of sensor hardware performance

Synthetic scene generation (with tools such as DIRSIG or Unreal Engine)

Modeling atmospheric radiative transfer effects (with tools such as MODTRAN)

Agile software development and Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence)

Active security clearance

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

A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect