Internship

2027 Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation

Hours: Full time
Where: El Segundo, CA
Posted: Sep 9

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.

What you'd do

Develop mathematical models and high-fidelity computational simulations of launch vehicles from fundamental principles of dynamics and physics
Develop computational tools to analyze the performance of launch vehicle flight control systems, guidance, and/or navigation (state estimation) algorithms
Develop and support software tools to perform time and frequency domain controls analysis
Perform analyses of launch and upper-stage vehicle guidance and navigation systems, including the performance of guidance algorithms and use of inertial systems, GPS, and other sensors
Perform trajectory studies and conduct error and orbital perturbation analyses
Perform statistical analyses of launch vehicle trajectories, maneuvers, and targeting accuracy
Support multiple programs and work both independently and with interdisciplinary teams
Verify contractor designs, approaches, and overall launch vehicle GN&C performance
Study and evaluate current and future launch vehicle GNC system designs and algorithms
Prepare technical reports and briefings to be presented to other analysts and management

What they want

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
Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's/PhD 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 Master's/Phd degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
Bachelor's degree completed by internship start date
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Some knowledge of one or more of the following: control systems, kinematics/dynamics, flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, or guidance and navigation of aerospace vehicles

Starts: 2026-09-09