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The Aerospace Corporation · 9 hours ago

2026 Space Sciences Graduate Intern

El Segundo, CA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$38/hr - $46/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 role within PSL’s Space Sciences Department is focused on conducting fundamental and applied space science research to solve hard problems related to effects of the space environment on space system design and operation.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Apply your scientific expertise by utilizing a variety of observational data set and models to understand and characterize the upper atmosphere and its effects on applications and systems critically important for mission success

Topics could include RF propagation studies bouncing off the bottom side or transiting through the ionosphere, investigating how gradients modify the RF characteristics, impacts on positioning, navigation, and timing signals from GNSS systems, and radio-occultation analyses of on-orbit receivers

Disseminate study and project results through customer briefings and reports, conferences and workshops, and peer-reviewed publications

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

Training and mentorship will be provided

Qualification

Space science researchIDLPythonMatlabRF propagationGNSS data analysisWritten communicationOral communicationTeamworkOrganizational skillsTime managementInterpersonal skills

Required

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Ph.D. degree in space science, physics, or related discipline

Second year of graduate school completed 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 Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Completed coursework in a space physics curriculum including plasma physics, ionospheric physics, heliospheric physics, or related courses

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

Strong written and oral communication skills

Strong software development skills, preferably in IDL, Python, Matlab

Must work well in a team environment

Possess organizational and time management skills

Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

Preferred

GPA of 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

Experience in conducting space science research

Understanding of fundamental RF propagation and interactions

Familiarity with IDL or python

Familiarity with GNSS (both space and ground-based) data analysis

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