The Aerospace Corporation
2025 Embedded Spacecraft Security Engineering Intern
The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, California, United States, 90245
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.At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an
Undergraduate
Embedded Spacecraft Security Engineer Intern.Job Summary -Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff 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.In this research and prototype focused role, you will join the Embedded Specialized Compute Department, which specializes in test and implementation of cutting-edge space-based compute solutions.
The group is organized into and focuses on three key areas:
Rapid Prototyping (HW and SW), Resilient/Novel/Accelerated Compute Solutions, and Embedded Security for space systems.Example projects might include hardware/software implementation for hardware accelerators, benchmarking specialized processors and/or algorithms, testing and characterizing radiation effects on compute resources, design and integration of cryptographic hardware, or work toward on-orbit demonstration.Work Model:This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VAWhat You’ll Be DoingDesign and build embedded hardware and/or software prototypes to demonstrate new concepts for specialized compute capabilities in space (AI at the edge, spacecraft security, specialized sensors).
Implement or integrate existing hardened cyber security modules on satellite or cubesat platforms.
Research, develop, and test novel software or hardware exploitations and their corresponding mitigations which may affect space systems.
Perform security benchmarking and comparison tests of compute platforms for space
Leverage your knowledge of embedded architecture and design to recommend best practices for government customer
Present project status, technical findings, and technical demonstrations to your team and customer
Learn and grow through new work opportunities, trainings, and mentorship from experienced staff.
What Corporate Skills You’ll BringStrong 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
[5-8 bullets recommended]Minimum Requirements:Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline
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 of 3.0
Familiarity with and proficiency in at least two of the following programming languages; C, C++, Python, System Verilog, VHDL
Familiarity with embedded system environments such as Xilinx, Polarfire, Agilex, ARM, RISC-V, or similar
Some knowledge of embedded security exploitations, techniques, and mitigations
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
[3-5 bullets recommended]It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:GPA of 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Cyber Security coursework
Working knowledge or experience with hardware interfaces such as : I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, etc.
Prior experience with FPGA based designs
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)$28.00 - $30.00 Pay Basis: Hourly
Leadership CompetenciesOur 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 StrategicallyLead ChangeEngage with ImpactFoster InnovationDeliver ResultsWays We Reward Our EmployeesDuring 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 diverse 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 CommitmentThe Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 atieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as thePay Transparency Policy Statement.
Undergraduate
Embedded Spacecraft Security Engineer Intern.Job Summary -Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff 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.In this research and prototype focused role, you will join the Embedded Specialized Compute Department, which specializes in test and implementation of cutting-edge space-based compute solutions.
The group is organized into and focuses on three key areas:
Rapid Prototyping (HW and SW), Resilient/Novel/Accelerated Compute Solutions, and Embedded Security for space systems.Example projects might include hardware/software implementation for hardware accelerators, benchmarking specialized processors and/or algorithms, testing and characterizing radiation effects on compute resources, design and integration of cryptographic hardware, or work toward on-orbit demonstration.Work Model:This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VAWhat You’ll Be DoingDesign and build embedded hardware and/or software prototypes to demonstrate new concepts for specialized compute capabilities in space (AI at the edge, spacecraft security, specialized sensors).
Implement or integrate existing hardened cyber security modules on satellite or cubesat platforms.
Research, develop, and test novel software or hardware exploitations and their corresponding mitigations which may affect space systems.
Perform security benchmarking and comparison tests of compute platforms for space
Leverage your knowledge of embedded architecture and design to recommend best practices for government customer
Present project status, technical findings, and technical demonstrations to your team and customer
Learn and grow through new work opportunities, trainings, and mentorship from experienced staff.
What Corporate Skills You’ll BringStrong 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
[5-8 bullets recommended]Minimum Requirements:Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline
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 of 3.0
Familiarity with and proficiency in at least two of the following programming languages; C, C++, Python, System Verilog, VHDL
Familiarity with embedded system environments such as Xilinx, Polarfire, Agilex, ARM, RISC-V, or similar
Some knowledge of embedded security exploitations, techniques, and mitigations
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
[3-5 bullets recommended]It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:GPA of 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Cyber Security coursework
Working knowledge or experience with hardware interfaces such as : I2C, SPI, GPIO, UART, etc.
Prior experience with FPGA based designs
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)$28.00 - $30.00 Pay Basis: Hourly
Leadership CompetenciesOur 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 StrategicallyLead ChangeEngage with ImpactFoster InnovationDeliver ResultsWays We Reward Our EmployeesDuring 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 diverse 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 CommitmentThe Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 atieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as thePay Transparency Policy Statement.