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 Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Control Analysis Department (CAD) is an organization within the Guidance and Control Subdivision that provides technical system engineering and analysis for space-based control systems to support a wide range of programs from DoD and NRO to commercial. In today’s rapidly evolving space environment, spacecraft control analysis is as important as ever. In addition to increasingly modular and autonomous space vehicles, payload capabilities are advancing at a rapid rate with the scope of control applications expanding to include proximity operations such as robotic manipulation for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. Accordingly, the department is developing the cutting-edge control analysis capabilities to meet these growing needs.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Performing technical studies, detailed analyses and tool development related to satellite attitude or payload control, dynamics, and estimation
Analyzing rendezvous, proximity, operations, and docking (RPOD) scenarios
Developing robotic platforms and algorithms for internal research and development efforts
Designing, implementing, and testing attitude determination and control algorithms for Cubesat-class vehicles
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 or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a 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 of PhD degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date
Exposure to and interest in control systems
Familiarity with analysis packages such as MATLAB/SIMULINK and/or programming languages such as C/C++ and Python
Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
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.
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How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
GPA of 3.5 or higher
Familiarity with…