2026 Structural Mechanics Undergraduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations 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, youll 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. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Structural Mechanics Subdivision provides expertise in the areas of static and dynamic structures, mechanisms, environments, and materials for government and commercial space applications. As part of our lean, high-performance team, you will collaborate with aerospace companies and laboratories across the country to deliver the next generation of space systems. Your work will enable our customer to make critical decisions and deliver critical national capabilities in space on time, every time. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. What Youll Be Doing Assignments vary depending on the hiring organization, but you are applying to the same role for which you were an intern in 2025 at The Aerospace Corporation Developing, organizing, and improving software and simulation tools used to solve environments and/or structural dynamics problems Improving tools and processes used to prepare test and/or flight sensor data for comparison to analytical predictions and for use in fleet monitoring Applying standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribed scientific and/or engineering tasks Documenting and presenting completed work and recommendations Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve to support growth and learning Training and mentorship will be provided What Corporate Skills Youll 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 What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace 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 degree program full-time after completion of the internship. Junior class standing completed by internship start date Familiar with Python and Matlab programming languages and environments Familiar with modern software issue tracking systems, including Jira Demonstrated interest in structural mechanics specifically related to rocket and satellite structures Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) 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 How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: GPA of 3.5 or higher Active security clearance Knowledge of signal processing, statistics, and other applied mathematical approaches Completed course work in Statics/Dynamics, Vibration, Finite Element Analysis, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra Prior engineering or project management experience in the aerospace industry Temporary housing assistance is not available. We offer a competitive compensation package where youll 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) $30.00 - $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 otherthe 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 youre 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. Right Place The Aerospace Corporation has over 26 locations nationwide, which allows us to build a workforce that will nurture the best ideas, and generate the most novel innovations and solutions to our nations toughest space enterprise challenges. Right Path Aerospace covers all stages of the space lifecycle, from concept to operations. We believe our people are our most valuable resource and thats why we propel our employees forward in their careers through ongoing education, training, and professional development. Right Purpose We can all serve a mission much greater than ourselves, and at Aerospace that is exactly what we do. By hiring the industrys most preeminent scientists and engineers, Aerospace advances emerging technologies that protect some of the most critical missions on Earth and above it. Return to the Aerospace Careers site. Aerospace employees working in organizations with technical responsibilities are required to obtain a Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for those positions.