2026 Vehicle Systems Undergraduate 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 Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Undergraduate Vehicle Systems Intern for a full-time onsite opportunity in Huntsville, AL.

The Southeast Regional Vehicle Systems Office (SERVO) is in Huntsville, AL and represents the Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) in support of programs in the Southeastern United States. SERVO provides a small but broad range of technical experts to government programs including the Missile Defense Agency, Space Force, NASA Marshall Space Flight, Space Based Interceptor, and Space Development Agency, as well as government representatives at United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin production and launch facilities.

Missile defense is layered missile system that safeguards the United States, its deployed forces, and allies from missile threats throughout all phases of flight. During this Undergraduate Summer Intern opportunity, you will work on multi-objective "traveling salesman" trajectory sequence generation, facility location optimization, and trans-atmospheric modeling for missiles, hyperglide vehicles, and reentry vehicles. This hands-on role will directly impact the development and deployment of layered missile defense systems protecting the US and its allies.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Evaluate and assist in the development of new propulsion systems and component technologies

• Apply evolutionary computing and multi-criterion decision making techniques to trade space analysis

• Develop new and existing tools and analyses to assess the performance of propulsion systems.

• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts and work with cross disciplinary teams to analyze complex systems and develop real-world solutions

• Training and mentorship will be provided

What You Need to be Successful:

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical 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 degree program full-time after completion of the internship.

• Freshman year completed by start of internship

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Familiar with one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, or MATLAB

• 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

How You Can Stand Out:

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

• GPA of 3.5 or higher

• Background in one or more of the following categories: orbital mechanics, hypersonic flight simulation, optimal control, flight mechanics, trajectory modeling and simulation

• Active security clearance

• Interest in pursuing graduate studies following the completion of bachelor's degree

Transcripts are required for this position.

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 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.