The Aerospace Corporation · 12 hours ago
2026 Space Systems Architect Graduate Intern
Colorado Springs, CO
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$32/hr - $48/hrThe Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. The Space Systems Architecture Graduate Intern will perform architecture-level assessment, modeling, analysis, and conceptual design activities as part of the Architecture Concepts Department, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to support various space-related projects.
AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Apply disciplined system architecting methods, processes, and tools for architecture-level trades, in a broad range of architecture-level assessment, modeling, analysis, and conceptual design activities
Participate in a space system architecting, conceptual design, and analysis activities as part of a large cross-disciplinary team of summer interns
Develop and execute innovative methods for advancing the state of the practice of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering (DE) to enhance our customers' ability to conduct systems engineering across the architecture lifecycle
Use, develop, and integrate analytical methods and tools to evaluate architectural concepts and system conceptual designs for cost, schedule, performance, risk, resilience to disruptive events or threats, and other characteristics
Closely collaborate with other Aerospace personnel to marshal technical expertise in multiple technical disciplines and domains to enable concurrent engineering approaches to address complex problems
Work with Aerospace program office, customer, and contractor personnel to elicit and identify needs, requirements, and constraints for studies; build cross-disciplinary teams; scope, plan, and execute the study; and effectively communicate task status, methods, results, and recommendations in briefings and formal technical reports
Qualification
Required
Currently enrolled full time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Masters or PhD degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field
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
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field
Minimum GPA 3.0
Relevant coursework and/or research projects in space systems engineering or systems architecting
Familiarity with one or more of the following programming languages: MATLAB, Python, Java, or VB
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Transcripts required
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
Coursework and/or research projects in enterprise systems engineering (ESE), enterprise architecting (EA), system of systems engineering (SOSE), or mission engineering (ME)
Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or digital engineering (DE) methods, processes, and ecosystems
Coursework and/or research experience in architecture or system modeling, particularly using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF), Unified Profile for DoDAF and MODAF (UPDM), or Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) Profile; or experience with business process modeling using the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN)
Working knowledge of using system modeling tools such as MagicDraw, Cameo Systems Modeler, Cameo Enterprise Architecture, Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect, IBM Rational Rhapsody, or Vitech GENESYS; or collaborative MBSE environments like OpenMBEE
Familiarity with spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, launch systems, missile systems, or airborne systems
Knowledge of space architecture conceptual design, analysis, and concurrent engineering techniques
Experience with spacecraft systems engineering or spacecraft operations
A current Secret, Top Secret, and/or SCI 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
Company
The Aerospace Corporation
As the government’s preeminent space innovation partner, Aerospace brings technical expertise to advance the nation's missions in space.
Founded in 1960
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tanya Pemberton
President & CEO
Ashley Kowalski
Project Leader - International Partnerships
Recent News
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