2026 Modeling and Simulation 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 a Modeling and Simulation Engineering Undergrad Intern for the Sensor Modeling and Simulation Department (SMSD) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in Colorado Springs, CO.

Job Summary

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! 

The SMSD team includes scientists and engineers across a broad range of disciplines actively engaged in developing the next generation of remote sensing systems of national importance.  SMSD supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical focal plane arrays, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, simulating target scenes and atmospheres, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications.  

Our expertise, combined with sophisticated in-house laboratories and prototyping capabilities, enables SMSD to deliver innovative solutions to national space systems and civil customers. Aerospace helps ensure national security by providing robust modeling and simulation support to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This support enables the development and deployment of a layered missile defense system that safeguards the United States, its deployed forces, and allies from missile threats throughout all phases of flight. 

Selected intern will have the opportunity to learn and develop tools to analyze and visualize missile engagements and applying basic AI/ML techniques and algorithms to missile defense.  This hands-on role will directly impact the development and deployment of layered missile defense systems protecting the US and its allies. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Apply evolutionary computing and multi-criterion decision making techniques to trade space analysis

• Work with department staff as part of project teams

• Apply in-house or custom-developed analysis tools as necessary

• Develop new analysis tools and techniques as necessary

• Exposure, training, and mentorship will be provided in some of the following areas:

  • Orbital dynamics

  • Missile intercept concepts and algorithms

  • AI/ML

  • Missile track fusion

  • Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

  • Cloud-based software development infrastructure

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.  

What You Need to be Successful   

Minimum Requirements  

• Currently enrolled fulltime in an accredited college/university program pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering, or related discipline

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Familiar with one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, or MATLAB

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.  U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

• Transcripts are required for this position.

How You Can Stand Out 

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

• GPA of 3.5 or higher

• Background in one or more of the following categories:

  • Optimization and decision support

  • Software or simulation development

• Fluency with one or more of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, or MATLAB

• Familiar with AI/ML, MBSE, or orbital dynamics

• 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)

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.