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The Aerospace Corporation · 19 hours ago

2026 System Cost & Schedule Graduate Intern

El Segundo, CA

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 seeking a Systems Cost and Schedule graduate-level Intern to join their Engineering Economic and Management Sciences Department, where the intern will analyze cost and schedule data to support acquisition decisions and optimize resource allocation.

AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary

Work & Life Balance

Responsibilities

Analyze cost, schedule, and technical data to inform acquisition decisions and evaluate program credibility

Support acquisition engineering through life cycle cost (LCC) analysis, trade studies, and contractor assessments

Apply operations research and management science (ORMS) methods to optimize program planning and resource allocation

Develop and assess Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), conducting Schedule Risk Assessments (SRAs), and identify key program risks and cost drivers

Support applied research in cost modeling, schedule forecasting, and enterprise decision tools

Collaborate with technical teams and mentors to refine methods and develop tools and data products that support government decision-makers

Communicate analytical findings through clear, data-driven reports and presentations

Qualification

Cost estimationSchedule analysisOperations researchMS ExcelData analysisWillingness to learnProgramming languagesCommunication skillsCritical thinkingTeam collaborationProject management knowledge

Required

Enrolled fulltime in an accredited Masters or PhD degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, or a related discipline of science and technology

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

Foundational knowledge of space and ground systems, systems engineering, cost estimation, or government acquisition process

Proficiency in MS Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis functions)

Proficiency in analyzing complex data, understanding variability, identifying trends, and conducting sensitivity analyses for cost and schedule projects

Ability to present and communicate complex information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences

Strong written and oral communication skills

Ability to work and communicate effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, multidisciplinary environment

Critical thinking skills to synthesize data from multiple sources and support sound decision-making

Ability to collect and organize data from diverse sources (e.g., market research and vendor quotes)

Willingness to learn and apply cost and schedule estimation tools

Preferred

GPA of 3.5 or higher

Active security clearance

Familiarity with programming languages (Python or VB) for tool development

Knowledge of project management principles and their relationship to cost and schedule

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