2026 Modeling and Simulation Graduate Intern - Communications and Ground Architectures

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.
Modeling and Simulation Graduate Intern - Communication and Ground Architectures
The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The division leverages a broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.
The Communication and Ground Architectures Performance Department (CGAPD) within the Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) consists of a team dedicated to delivering modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) solutions to answer new and emerging government and commercial customer needs. We conduct modeling and performance assessments of complex communication, network, and ground architectures, scheduling and resource allocation algorithms, and mission management strategies.
The selected candidate will be required to work full time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA
What You'll Be Doing

• Work closely with Aerospace technical staff to provide analysis driving recommendations for research, development, and acquisition decisions for legacy and future customer communication and ground architectures
• Interact directly with local Aerospace personnel and collaborate with Aerospace personnel in other locations
• Perform end-to-end (E2E) performance evaluations and analysis-of-alternatives (AoA) using in-house or internally developed analysis tools
• Support development and sustainment of the organization's analysis and simulation tools and capabilities
• Develop and present timely and technically accurate presentations and reports that clearly communicate analysis results to technical leads, management, and customers

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled full-time in an advanced degree program from an accredited college or university in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, mathematics, or other related disciplines
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of the university term and the ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship
• Knowledge or coursework in modeling, simulation, or analysis in a relevant technical domain
• Experience with one or more software languages that may include Python, C++, or MATLAB
• 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:

• Academic or internship experience working as a member of a technical team
• Academic or internship experience in space-related modeling, simulation, and analysis
• Academic or internship experience in communication, ground architecture, or data network modeling
• Experience developing and presenting analysis results to government customers
• Current TS or SCI security clearance

Temporary housing assistance not available
The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and providing opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, SWFT companies are focused on building a skilled, innovative, and sustainable space workforce required to maintain U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program.
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.