2027 Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Engineering Undergrad 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.

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring an Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Engineering Intern for the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.

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At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

Job Summary

Every satellite communication, every military data link, every command and telemetry signal depends on something invisible but fiercely contested: Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum. Within our MPD the Communication Architectures Department (CAD) sits at the intersection of cutting-edge RF engineering and high-stakes national policy. We don't just analyze spectrum - we shape the regulations and strategies that ensure our nation's most critical wireless systems have the spectrum access they need to operate, today and decades from now.

From satellites to launch vehicles, ground systems to cyber, CAD and its spectrum engineers are broadly engaged across every domain where space matters most to our nation's defense, civil, and commercial future.

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What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform radio frequency interference analysis of communication systems to promote spectrum sharing and resolve spectrum contention issues
• Develop tools to provide analysis and evaluations of spectrum activities
• Assess the performance of satellite and ground systems, communication links, and wireless network protocols
• Document work products in briefings and/or technical reports to customers and colleagues
• Tasking will vary during the internship and may include simultaneous projects
• Training and mentorship will be provided in this position

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What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring

• 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.

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What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelors, degree in a STEM-related discipline
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 12 weeks outside of university term. Ability to return to a degree program after completion of the internship.
• Experience programming in Python, C/C++, or Matlab
• Relevant coursework and/or project experience with communication theories and/or satellite communications
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• 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

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

• GPA 3.5 or higher
• Interest in spectrum management, spectrum policy, and spectrum regulations
• Active security clearance

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)

$25.00 - $30.00

Pay 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .