2026 Composites Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories' technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.
The Materials Science Department (MSD) in the Space Materials Laboratory at The Aerospace Corporation conducts anomaly resolution, correlation of materials physics to materials performance, nondestructive evaluation, materials characterization, failure analysis, and applied research in materials science, additive manufacturing, nondestructive evaluation technologies for space applications and provides technical support to national security space programs in these areas. The MSD is seeking a graduate-level Composites Intern, a well-qualified individual with a strong foundation in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering fields which emphases on composite materials for space applications. The intern wil work closely with several mentors and receive hands-on lab experience with material processing, characteristic and other valuable training related to composite materials.
Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Investigating structure-property relationships of high-performance composite materials and effect of processing conditions on resulting thermal and mechanical properties.
• Evaluating cure properties of CFRP composite materials and develop techniques to characterize resultant properties, including mechanical, chemical, thermal, microstructure, dimensional stability, etc. Research may also involve working with adhesive bonding and associated processes.
• Mechanical testing of structural materials
• Thermal analysis and characterization of polymers and composites
• Data acquisition and analysis
• Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs.
• Communicate with personnel within PSL and between organizations within Engineering, Technology Group
• Document technical efforts, prepare written and oral reports of research activities and accomplishments, and present to higher management, internal colleagues and the broader scientific community
• Training and mentorship will be provided

What Corporate Skills You'll Bring

• 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

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
• 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 3.0
• Coursework completed in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry of Materials and Structure and Properties of Composite Materials.
• Experience in materials science with a familiar with basic polymer processing and common metrology such as microscopy, thermal analysis and tensile testing.
• Willingness to occasionally travel domestically and work off-business hours to support customer needs.
• 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

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Active security clearance
• Knowledge in structural materials for space, i.e. CFRP composites and adhesives, with respect to processing, testing, and characterization
• Experience in composites, layup, characterization, and mechanical testing for space applications
• Hands-on experience with using an autoclave, Instron and thermal analysis equipment such as DSC, TGA, DMA and a rheometer.
• Hands-on experience with characterization of structure-property relationships of high-performance CFRP composite materials and effect of processing conditions on resulting thermal and mechanical properties.
• Records on publishing technical paper or delivering conference presentations

Temporary housing assistance is not available.
We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$32.00 - $48.00
Pay Basis: Hourly
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.