2025 C3 Engineering and Operations 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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Mission Analytics Engineer Graduate Intern for the C3 (Command, Control, and Communications) Engineering and Operations Department (CEOD) within the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD). This position will be located in Colorado Springs, CO.

Job Summary

ISCD staff members couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

Graduate Intern will join the CEOD team and support the Space Force’s Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC). CEOD staff provide operationally-focused engineering solutions for space enterprise C3 systems in support of our Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and civil customers.  CEOD capabilities include providing operational C2 expertise for future systems; influencing future electronic warfare and satellite communications (SATCOM) investments; delivering systems engineering support for missions and C2 system development; leading system and software test planning and execution campaigns; supporting ground system and architecture modernization efforts; providing software development expertise; and, providing technical and operational experience with fielded space systems and missions.

Work Model

This position will be located 100% onsite in Colorado Springs, CO.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working closely with Aerospace technical staff on a range of activities which may include developing software analysis tools, formulating digital engineering models, and conducting analysis using modeling and simulation

• Researching ground systems methodologies, processes, or frameworks for multiple missions

• Conducting analyses of system performance and architecture alternatives

• Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks

• Interacting directly with local Aerospace personnel and collaborating with Aerospace personnel in other locations

• 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 proactively coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree completed AND currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or related program.

• Minimum of Senior class standing by internship start date with graduate program beginning Fall 2025. 

• Minimum GPA of 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.

• Proficiency in one or more of the following computer languages/tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, Java, MATLAB, Simulink

• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and in teams

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. 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 of 3.5 or higher

• Active security clearance

• Research or professional experience working as a member of a technical team

• Coursework or relevant experience in technical writing and technical presentation

• Coursework, research, or professional experience in space systems, modeling and simulation, design, systems engineering, and ground system networks

• Coursework or relevant experience in modern software development, integration, and testing practices

• Prior space-related work experience for a US government agency or contractor

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)

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.