Battery Test Lab 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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. 

The qualified candidate will become part of the Physical Sciences Laboratories, Energy Technology Department, Battery Test Lab, supporting the test and evaluation of spacecraft cells and batteries for flight programs. Work will involve hands-on, battery-related laboratory work to support designing and building custom test stations for space vehicle battery testing. An overall goal in this work is to develop innovative solutions to streamline battery testing, and to improve the battery test life cycle.

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

What You’ll Be Doing 

• You will work with an interdisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technicians in the Battery Test Lab with a focus on ongoing material, electrochemical, electrical engineering, and data science research areas.
• You will apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks, including:
  • Creating new battery cell tests and experiments
  • Fabricating custom test hardware and cabling
  • Assembling/soldering printed circuit boards
• You will also assist in innovating new testing solutions, including:
  • Developing new diagnostic tools
  • Supporting the team on project designs, test protocols, and experimental validations
  • Performing analysis on battery test data to evaluate performance and identify improvements
  • Developing interface/communication codes for measurement & test equipment
• 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 

• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills
• Work well in a team environment
• Possess strong organizational, time-management, and project-management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing organizational needs
• Apply interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
• Demonstrate attention to detail and independent problem-solving skills

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science 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 Bachelor's degree program full-time after completion of the internship
• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0  
• Experience operating in a test laboratory environment
• Experience with developing, troubleshooting, and executing software programs/scripts (for example for data analysis, modeling, or hardware interface/control) using Python, MATLAB, or another high-level programming language
• 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

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 
• Experience with the use of electrical test equipment and data acquisition systems
• Experience in developing electrical schematics and/or printed circuit board layouts
• Experience with software control of measurement & test equipment
• Experience with Lithium-ion battery testing/charge control

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)

$26.00 - $30.00Pay 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.