The Aerospace Corporation

The Aerospace Corporation

Space systems research, design, and advisory

Emerging Missions Flight Dynamics Intern

Winter 2026Posted on 9/23/2026Deadline 2/26/27
$32 - $48/hr

+ Variable pay program + Relocation assistance

Internship
Master's, PhD
Colorado Springs, CO, USA+3 more

More locations: Albuquerque, NM, USA | Chantilly, VA, USA | El Segundo, CA, USA

In Person

Full-time on-site work with four or more regular on-site days per week is required.

No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • Currently enrolled full time in a Master's or PhD program from an accredited college or university in Aerospace engineering.
  • Available to work full time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a Master's or PhD degree program full time after completing the internship.
  • Experience in one or more of the following subjects: space mission analysis and design, advanced astrodynamics, cislunar trajectory design and optimization, algorithm design, software development, or multi-objective optimization.
  • Proficiency with one or more of the following programming languages or tools: C, C++, Python, Fortran, or MATLAB.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the United States government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
Responsibilities
  • Provide primary support for the Cislunar Mission Design Section through simplified and high-fidelity multi-body orbital mechanics.
  • Perform impulsive and low-thrust trajectory design and optimization.
  • Perform Traveling Salesman Problem and Facility Location Problem analysis.
  • Conduct general astrodynamics analysis, including orbit and covariance propagation and maneuver design and optimization for orbit transfer, station keeping, disposal, and reentry events.
  • Develop Concepts of Operations, explore Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, and incorporate operational constraints into the design and maturation of space and near-space systems.
  • Use optimal control theory, flight mechanics, and computer science and algorithm-development skills to create new capabilities as stand-alone services or ready-to-integrate submodules.
  • Conduct research and development, including building new flight-dynamics tools and features to cultivate and maintain modern internal tool bases.
  • Use external tools such as ASSET, SNOPT, Copernicus, GMAT, EMTG, CasADi, and Heyoka when appropriate to augment internally developed capabilities.
  • Collaborate across departments on maneuver and orbit design, selection, and optimization for missions supporting Rendezvous and Proximity Operations objectives with complex operational constraints.
  • Perform trajectory design and optimization for launch vehicles and spacecraft operating in low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, highly elliptical orbit, extended geosynchronous orbit, and interplanetary environments.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience using or building analysis software that combines numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches for launch vehicles, missiles, interceptors, or spacecraft.
  • Experience with nonlinear programming, direct methods, gradient-based optimization, parameter optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary algorithms, heuristic optimization methods, indirect methods, or calculus of variations.
  • Advanced algorithm-development skills including parallel processing and scripting.
  • Experience with contested-space trajectory applications, military exercises, or wargaming events.
  • Ability to build and foster effective working relationships with customers, contractors, Federally Funded Research and Development Center personnel, and other personnel.
  • Experience directly interfacing with senior government customers.
  • Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI clearance.
  • Current SAP access.

About the company

The Aerospace Corporation

The Aerospace Corporation

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The Aerospace Corporation helps national security space programs through technical and scientific research, development, and advisory services. It provides engineering and acquisition management support to the Air Force, other Defense Department agencies, and civilian agencies. Its work covers launch system design and analysis, engineering, development, implications, and application, helping programs go from concept to tested systems. The company differentiates itself by focusing specifically on government space programs, offering independent technical expertise and mission-focused advisory services with a long history dating back to 1960, rather than competing primarily as a commercial contractor. Its goal is to enable reliable and secure space capabilities for national security by informing and guiding government programs from research through deployment.

Company Size

N/A

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

El Segundo, California

Founded

1960

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Fiscal 2026 revenue hit $983.6 million, showing durable demand despite a $29.7 million loss.
  • April 2026 Google Public Sector AI tool speeds constellation anomaly triage.
  • 2026 DiskSat launches and licensing broaden Aerospace's commercial relevance beyond federal contracts.

What critics are saying

  • Aerospace posted a $29.7 million fiscal 2026 loss after 145 positions cut in January 2025.
  • Government concentration leaves Aerospace exposed if Space Force procurement slows in fiscal 2027.
  • DiskSat commercialization depends on outside licensees; Orbotic Systems delays leave Aerospace demo-only.

What makes The Aerospace Corporation unique

  • FFRDC status gives Aerospace privileged access to Space Force and DoD programs.
  • Its 2026 DiskSat platform creates reusable IP, now licensed to Orbotic Systems and Neumann Space.
  • El Segundo engineering campus and Chantilly headquarters anchor dual-coast customer proximity.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Relocation Assistance

Professional Development Budget

Company News

Washington Technology
Sep 18th, 2026
Tech, growth and sales leadership moves across the market.

Tech, growth and sales leadership moves across the market. Stay Connected Find opportunities - and win them. September 18, 2026 03:04 PM ET One of the military's primary engine providers is also undertaking a transition at the very top, among other key promotions and hires to note. Aerospace Corp. Debra Emmons has moved up to senior vice president of the civil systems group following four years as chief technology officer at the nonprofit organization, which she first joined in 2003. Emmons succeeds Jim Myers, who retired from Aerospace in August after five years there. Emmons' career in space includes satellite-focused roles at Hughes Space and Communications. Aerospace also promoted Kristin St. Peter to senior vice president, general counsel and secretary in a move to take effect Jan. 2. Aerospace operates a federally-funded research-and-development center focused on national security space. 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Aviation Week
Sep 1st, 2026
Aerospace Corp. pushes adoption of DiskSat tech after successful demo.

Aerospace Corp. pushes adoption of DiskSat tech after successful demo. A little more than eight months after launching a four-set of its novel DiskSat, The Aerospace Corp. sees an opportunity to reshape the small satellite industry. The federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) envisions flattening satellites from the common cubic form to a wafer-like... Based in the Seattle area, Garrett covers the space sector and advanced technologies that are shaping the future of aerospace and defense, including space startups, advanced air mobility and artificial intelligence.

Neumann Space
Aug 25th, 2026
Neumann Space signs agreement with The Aerospace Corporation.

Neumann Space signs agreement with The Aerospace Corporation. Media Release - 25 August 2026 Neumann Space Signs Commercial Licence Agreement with The Aerospace Corporation combining the innovative DiskSat architecture with Neumann Space's purpose-designed Flatypus electric propulsion platform, creating a highly scalable platform for the next generation of commercial and sovereign space missions. The agreement expands cooperation between the Australian and U.S. Space sectors and brings together two highly complementary technologies: Aerospace's standardized, stackable DiskSat architecture and Neumann Space's solid-state electric propulsion technology.

Career Communications Group, Inc.
Aug 7th, 2026
Interns are powering progress in energy, tech, and industry.

Interns are powering progress in energy, tech, and industry. * Published August 07, 2026 By: Staff Writer Tamla Olivier, recently featured on the cover of Career Communications Group Women of Color magazine, sent summer interns off with well wishes and career advice. As president and CEO of Baltimore Gas and Electric, which serves 1.3 million electric and 700,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland, Olivier highlighted the growing importance of electrical grid capacity. In a social media photo essay, she recognized the impact interns made at BGE and Exelon, noting that many former interns have built meaningful careers within the company and the broader energy industry. Olivier emphasized that this year's interns are already contributing to BGE's mission of delivering affordable solutions in a rapidly evolving energy sector. She praised the interns' curiosity, new ideas, and eagerness to learn, observing their growth as they tackled new challenges and learned from experienced colleagues. Olivier encouraged them to remain curious, ask questions, and explore careers in energy. She also expressed gratitude to the mentors, managers, and teammates who supported the interns, stating that their guidance and investment will have a lasting impact. The Aerospace Corporation announced it has been ranked #1 in Yello + WayUp's Top 100 Internship Program list. The company credited this achievement to the interns, mentors, and program leads who contribute to the program's success. Mary Barra, chair and CEO of General Motors, shared a video from a "Rapid-fire" Q&A session with this summer's 562 interns from 140 universities. She encouraged early-career professionals to be confident in their achievements and reminded GM interns to stay connected with their families. Life at Meta shared that their summer interns shipped code in week one, built AI tools, protected user privacy at scale, and competed in hackathons, building things they didn't see coming and making Meta better. Noblis shared that their 48 summer interns showed up, dove in, and made an impact from day one. From AI and cybersecurity to environmental science and aerospace engineering, their 2026 interns proved that the future of science and technology is in great hands. The National Energy Technology Laboratory shared that it was a busy summer for interns. Among this year's class is a student from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who has been assigned to the Hybrid Performance facility at NETL-Morgantown. She is one of more than 40 interns at NETL as part of the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) program. MLEF participants are mentored by U.S. Department of Energy scientists and engineers while completing a research project. NETL is also hosting nine students through the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program. This summer's NETL interns represent 38 academic institutions and 23 states. Ahead of National Intern Day, BAE Systems recognized 500 interns from 175 colleges and universities across 24 states, noting their contributions in engineering, operations, finance, and other fields. The United States Patent and Trademark Office also celebrated its interns, who gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to public service, including a recent visit to the Capitol for a panel on intellectual property. Caterpillar Careers featured eight interns in a "pass the phone" challenge, highlighting the variety of roles available within the company.

GovCon Wire
Jul 23rd, 2026
Vast appoints Former Slingshot Aerospace CEO Melanie Stricklan as special programs SVP.

Vast appoints Former Slingshot Aerospace CEO Melanie Stricklan as special programs SVP. * Melanie Stricklan will lead Vast's newly established special programs division * The new division is focused on space-based capabilities for defense and intelligence missions * The unit will combine Vast's commercial platforms, engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities Former Slingshot Aerospace CEO Melanie Stricklan has been named senior vice president of special programs at Vast. Stricklan will lead the newly established special programs division, which will develop space-based capabilities for the national security enterprise, including the defense and intelligence communities, the company said Wednesday. What will Stricklan lead at Vast? Vast's new division will support both classified and unclassified efforts, combining the company's commercial platforms with its engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company said the unit will produce U.S.-built systems for national security missions using the speed and cost structures of commercial development. Vast CEO Max Haot said Stricklan brings more than two decades of experience spanning advanced technology, national security and commercial space. "She is joining Vast at a pivotal moment as we develop in-house, high-performance technologies with direct applications for the U.S. defense and intelligence communities." Vast's move into the national security space comes as government and industry leaders prepare to discuss the sector's evolving priorities at the Potomac Officers Club's 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. The event will bring together senior Air Force, Space Force and NASA leaders to examine emerging technologies and programs shaping the future of air and space capabilities. Register now! What is Stricklan's background? Stricklan co-founded Slingshot Aerospace in 2016 and led the space intelligence and autonomous systems company for a decade. She served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, where she gained extensive experience holding leadership roles in advanced space systems development and testing, acquisitions, operations and national security. She most recently served as chief innovation and advancement officer at Space Foundation, where she grew Space Workforce for Tomorrow into a nationwide coalition for the space industry. Stricklan has also served on the Aerospace Department External Advisory Committee at the University of Texas at Austin for more than five years and as a member of the White House's National Space Council Users' advisory group. What is Vast? Founded in 2021, Vast develops commercial space infrastructure and technologies for activities including microgravity research, in-space manufacturing and human spaceflight. The Long Beach, California-based company is developing its Haven series of commercial space stations and plans to launch Haven-1 in 2027. Vast has raised $500 million in financing to advance development of its Haven space stations, grow its workforce and expand its facilities. The company is also pursuing government opportunities, including NASA's private astronaut mission program and the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations initiative. The company has also added senior leaders with experience in government and national security. In June, former Aerospace Corp. President and CEO Steve Isakowitz joined Vast as an adviser, bringing experience from NASA, the U.S. Space Force and other government organizations.