2026 Photonics Technologies Graduate 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.

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

The Photonics Technology Department is hiring a graduate Intern to work in radio frequency (RF) photonics, quantum photonics, and/or signal processing. PTD focuses on areas of photonics directed towards research and development of new capabilities for space systems, as well as ensuring that new and existing systems reliably deliver mission success in the rigors of the space environment.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Participating with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing laboratory and theoretical research focused on advanced photonic technologies such as quantum and microwave photonics
• Applying standard and novel techniques and procedures to carry out scientific, engineering, and/or computational tasks related to quantum technologies, RF photonics, and signal processing, including laboratory characterization of devices and system simulations
• Developing novel techniques for analyzing advanced photonic systems
• Presenting results to management and colleagues
• Interacting with and learning from senior staff
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
• Training and mentorship will be provided
  
  

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
  
  

Minimum Requirements

What You Need to be Successful

• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics, Electrical 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 Master's or Ph.D. degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Undergraduate degree completed by internship start date
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar analytical language)
• Prior experience working in a research or prototyping lab or performing numerical simulations
• Completed coursework covering basic physics and mathematical methods
• 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
• Completed coursework in advanced physics (including nonlinear optics and/or quantum-related subjects), mathematical methods, and/or data analytics
• Experience with specialty photonics simulation packages such as Lumerical, HFSS, Comsol
• Experience performing independent research and/or development projects
  
  

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)

$32.00 - $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 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.