Defensive Cyber Operations Intern - 2027

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 a Defensive Cyber Operations Grad Intern position for the Cyberspace Combat Department (CCD) in the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD).  This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA

Job Summary

ISCD staff members 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.

Interns will join our growing team of cybersecurity engineers who design, implement, and deploy cyber solutions to defend our nation’s most valuable assets in space. We support a variety of customers including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and other civil customers (e.g. NASA) in order to resolve unique challenges in protecting their ground networks and satellite systems from sophisticated adversaries.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Research and develop on-board defensive capabilities to protect Space Vehicles

• Build innovative prototype tools and techniques to improve the cybersecurity posture of mission systems using current technologies such as containerization, cloud, and AI

• Conduct vulnerability research and reverse engineering on space related software

• Proactively interact with customers by communicating project status, technical findings, and give technical demonstrations.

• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.

•  Training and mentorship will be provided.

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled full time at an accredited college/university advanced degree program pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related program

•  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 3.0
• Interest in reverse engineering and vulnerability research

• Experience with building small to mid-size projects with Python, C, or Rust

• Experience with containerization tools such as Docker or Kubernetes

• 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

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

• Security+ or any other security certifications

• Hands-on experience working with Ghidra or Ida Pro

• Experience working with ground or space related technology

• Active participant in Capture-The-Flag events

• Active security clearance

• GPA 3.5 or higher

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)

$32.00 - $35.00Pay 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.