2026 Aerospace Rising Star Programs

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 undergraduate and graduate-level students for our Aerospace Rising Star program. Applying to this job requisition will put you in a candidate pool used to hire for the class of 2026 Aerospace Rising Stars for opportunities across the company.

The Aerospace Rising Star Programs are in partnership with universities and recruitment pipeline organizations and include paid full-time positions for a minimum of 10-weeks in the summer.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time , on-site at a d esignated Aerospace facility which include but are not limited to : El Segundo, CA, Chantilly or Arlington, VA, Huntsville, AL, Colorado Springs, CO, Albuquerque, NM, Houston, TX.

What You'll Be Doing

Assignments vary depending on the hiring organization

Participateswith an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs with academic collaboration partners

Applies standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of prescribedscientific and / or engineering tasks

Training and mentorship will be provided

WhatCorporateSkillsYou'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

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements :

Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college / university program pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree in Aero / Astro Engineering, Chemical Engineering / Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber / Cyber Security, Electrical Engineering, Electrical, and Computer Engineering, Intelligence Studies, Materials Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering or related engineering or technical discipline.

Nomination from one of the following programs : Dr. Austin STEM Endowment Program, GEM Fellowship Program, Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship or the Association of Corporate Counsel.

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.

Positions require the 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.

Current unofficial transcripts required.

How You Can Stand Out

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

GPA 3.0 or higher

Active security clearance

Experience programming in C, C++, HTML, Python, JAVA

Experience in developing and delivering presentations

Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projectsor with team groups

Software design, development, unit testing, and integration experience

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)

$18.00 - $48.00

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 equalopportunity 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,geneticinformation, 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 emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .