Apply on Employer Site

The Aerospace Corporation · 22 hours ago

2026 Optical Coatings Undergraduate Intern

El Segundo, CA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$26/hr - $30/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. This internship role involves providing scientific and laboratory support for optical thin films and coatings, along with training in various materials processing techniques.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Provide scientific and laboratory support to programs investigating optical thin films and coatings for advanced spacecraft applications

Train to operate and utilize materials processing and thin film deposition equipment, characterization techniques, and optical property measurement tools to deposit optical materials and evaluate their behavior

Work closely with technical staff and scientists to develop, design, build, and modify characterization, testing, and analysis methods and tools to evaluate optical materials

Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of scientific and/or engineering tasks. Resolve experiment, testing, and hardware issues, anomalies, and challenges. Collect, analyze, and present test data

Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs

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

Training and mentorship will be provided

Qualification

Materials ScienceOpticsThin FilmsVapor Deposition TechniquesOptical Property CharacterizationLaboratory ExperienceData AnalysisTeamworkCommunication SkillsProject Management

Required

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline

Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Bachelor's degree program full-time after completion of the internship

Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date

Coursework in materials science

Coursework or hands-on laboratory experience related to optics, optical materials, thin films, materials processing, vapor deposition techniques, or optical property characterization

Minimum GPA 3.0

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

Familiarity with physical vapor deposition techniques, such as sputtering or evaporation

Prior experience in a laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols

Familiarity with laboratory data collection and data analysis

Experience with one or more of the following: high-vacuum systems and hardware, lasers and optical systems, automation and data acquisition, mechanical design software

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

An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect