2025 Embedded Spacecraft Security Engineering 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 an Undergraduate Embedded Spacecraft Security Engineer Intern. 

Job Summary -

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff 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.

In this research and prototype focused role, you will join the Embedded Specialized Compute Department, which specializes in test and implementation of cutting-edge space-based compute solutions.  The group is organized into and focuses on three key areas:  Rapid Prototyping (HW and SW), Resilient/Novel/Accelerated Compute Solutions, and Embedded Security for space systems.

Example projects might include hardware/software implementation for hardware accelerators, benchmarking specialized processors and/or algorithms, testing and characterizing radiation effects on compute resources, design and integration of cryptographic hardware, or work toward on-orbit demonstration.

Work Model: 

This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and build embedded hardware and/or software prototypes to demonstrate new concepts for specialized compute capabilities in space (AI at the edge, spacecraft security, specialized sensors).

• Implement or integrate existing hardened cyber security modules on satellite or cubesat platforms.

• Research, develop, and test novel software or hardware exploitations and their corresponding mitigations which may affect space systems.

• Perform security benchmarking and comparison tests of compute platforms for space

• Leverage your knowledge of embedded architecture and design to recommend best practices for government customer

• Present project status, technical findings, and technical demonstrations to your team and customer

• Learn and grow through new work opportunities, trainings, and mentorship from experienced staff.

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 [5-8 bullets recommended]  

Minimum Requirements:  

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science 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 of 3.0   

• Familiarity with and proficiency in at least two of the following programming languages; C, C++, Python, System Verilog, VHDL

• Familiarity with embedded system environments such as Xilinx, Polarfire, Agilex, ARM, RISC-V, or similar

• Some knowledge of embedded security exploitations, techniques, and mitigations

• 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 [3-5 bullets recommended]  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:  

• GPA of 3.5 or higher  

• Active security clearance  

• Cyber Security coursework

• Working knowledge or experience with hardware interfaces such as : I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, etc.

• Prior experience with FPGA based designs

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.