2026 Digital Engineering Software Developer 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.

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. 

The Engineering Applications Department (EAD) develops a wide variety of innovative tools and applications to support civil, commercial, and national security space systems. From web, cloud, and desktop visualization to virtual and augmented reality; EAD evaluates and creates unique visual experiences that present data and analysis to key decision-makers. As an intern within EAD, you will be involved in developing tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities.

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

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Perform Digital Engineer transformation of existing tools and processes
• Support development of tools to assist in data analytics and data visualization
• Leverage AI/ML to automate and streamline workflows
• Develop tools and techniques for enhancing analysis and simulation capabilities
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed 
• 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 coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements: 

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's/PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Aerospace Engineering, or 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.
• Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date
• Minimum GPA of 3.0  
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Some background and/or experience programming in one or more of the following languages: Java, C, C++, and Python
• Relevant project experience or coursework in digital engineering, data structures and algorithms, modeled based systems engineering, AI/ML development
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Transcripts

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• GPA 3.5 or higher
• Active security clearance
• Familiarity with launch vehicle and satellite payloads, their relationships to other subsystems, and to mission-level performance is desirable 
• Familiarity with software development processes and tools including compilers, IDEs, software engineering and coding standards
• Experience with Linux/Unix systems, network architecture, and cyber security.
• Experience with machine learning and AI development
• Experience with MBSE and its deployments
• Experience with Fortran, Ada, and shell scripting
• Familiar with concept of Monte Carlo and its applications
• Knowledge working with Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA, Bitbucket, and Confluence is highly desirable

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 - $38.00

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 . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.