2026 Digital Systems Engineer 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.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED), part of SED, leads the charge in advancing the application of digital system models, digital threads and digital twin capabilities throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. Our work in Digital Engineering (DE) and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) encompasses research, prototyping, development, independent assessments, training, and guidance to help our customers realize complex space and defense systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You'll be Doing
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Graduate Summer Intern to join our team. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to develop, simulate, and analyze digital system models for space, ground, and launch architectures with a focus on MBSE methods, tools, and modeling language standards. As part of the DSED team, you will contribute to innovative and challenging projects that shape the future of digital systems engineering.

* System Architecture and Design: Build, validate, and simulate digital system models representing complex space and defense system architectures and design solutions

* System Analysis: Develop complex queries and AI applications that interrogate digital system models for specific information, answering stakeholder questions

* Digital Thread Implementation: Assist with federating digital system models with other digital engineering models (mechanical, structural, electrical, software), yielding end-to-end digital thread models

* Digital Twin Realization: Develop virtual twin system models that interact with the corresponding physical twin through live telemetry updates

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

* Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program, pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline

* Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a (Master's/Phd) degree program full-time after completion of the internship

* Minimum GPA of 3.0

* Foundational knowledge and some hands-on experience with simulation and analysis tools (e.g., Cameo Simulation Toolkit, MATLAB, Simulink, SimEvents, ModelCenter).

* Familiarity with descriptive modeling languages (e.g., UML, SysML v1/SysML v2, UAFML) and modeling tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, Sparx Enterprise Architect, or Rhapsody).

* This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the United States 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 U.S. security clearance

* Experience with modeling methodologies such as OOSEM, MagicGrid, or SysMod

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)

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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.