The Aerospace Corporation · 14 hours ago
2026 Thermostructures Graduate Intern
El Segundo, CA
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$32/hr - $38/hrThe Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. The Thermostructures Graduate Intern will assist in the design, analysis, and testing methodologies related to thermostructural flight hardware, while gaining practical experience in structural analysis and finite element modeling.
AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Learning about the design, analysis, and test methodologies related to thermostructural flight hardware, such as liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, launch and re-entry vehicle heat shields, and hypersonic technologies
Help with the assessment of strength, fracture-life, structural integrity, and stability of thermostructural flight hardware exposed to mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads
Creating and running Finite Element Models to simulate failure modes seen during environmental testing of thermostructural flight hardware
Developing novel software capabilities to facilitate the support of contractor hardware investigations
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
Training and mentorship will be provided
Qualification
Required
Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Masters or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical, Structural, or Aerospace Engineering or related discipline
Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date
Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Master's or Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship
Coursework relevant to concepts in one or more of the following: finite element analysis, advanced structural mechanics, and/or fracture mechanics
Experience with flight hardware – design, analysis or hands-on are all acceptable
Minimum GPA of 3.0
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
Preferred
GPA 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Experience with ANSYS Workbench, Abaqus, HyperWorks, Nastran, NASGRO, C, C++, HTML, Python, Matlab and/or JAVA
Experience in developing and delivering presentations
Experience in working in an autonomous work environment on complex projects
Experience in working on business or engineering full life-cycle projects from project inception through launch
Software/hardware design, development, unit testing, and integration experience
Participation in extracurricular activities related to your field of study
Benefits
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
Company
The Aerospace Corporation
As the government’s preeminent space innovation partner, Aerospace brings technical expertise to advance the nation's missions in space.
Founded in 1960
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tanya Pemberton
President & CEO
Ashley Kowalski
Project Leader - International Partnerships
Recent News
Washington Technology
2026-01-12
2025-12-27
2025-12-21
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