2026 Communication Architectures Modeling and Analysis Engineering Undergraduate Intern

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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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Communication Architectures Modeling and Analysis Engineering Undergraduate Intern for the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). Position will be full-time and 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.

Job Summary

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Communication Architectures Department (CAD) has three main lines of work: the department performs trade studies, analyses, and simulations to optimize the overall communications performance of terrestrial, satellite, launch vehicle, and ground-based systems. CAD also guides the development of spectrum regulations and policies to assure critical wireless systems have access to necessary spectrum resources. Finally, we are actively engaged in the development of RF communications prototypes, especially those involving commercial LEO satellite systems.

What You’ll Be Doing

Perform analysis of communication systems to ensure architectures support mission objectives
Develop tools to provide analysis and evaluations of communication architectures
Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols
Gain hands-on expertise by designing, constructing, and evaluating prototype RF systems that interface with and assess satellite communications performance.
Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues
Tasking will vary during the internship and may include simultaneous projects
Training and mentorship will be provided in this position

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 full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or another STEM-related discipline
Minimum GPA 3.0
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.
Experience programming in Python, C/C++, or Matlab. Exposure to modern development practices, including the use of Git for version control.
Familiarity and/or coursework/project experience in communications theory, digital signal processing, electromagnetics, or satellite communications
Strong written and oral communication skills
This position requires 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:

GPA 3.5 or higher.
Hands-on experience with RF measurement equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators) and proficiency in programmatically interfacing with these instruments is highly desirable.
Experience implementing AI/ML techniques—particularly as applied to diverse data types in communications or signal processing.

Project experience involving analysis of wireless communication systems.
Demonstrated use of Git for version control along with experience in writing tests, and managing code through CI/CD pipelines.
Demonstrated interest in space and communication systems.
Active security clearance.

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)

$26.00 - $30.00

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

peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org

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