2026 MMIC/Microwave Engineering Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 MMIC/Microwave Engineering Graduate Intern for the Communication Electronics Department within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA. 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 Communication Electronics Department’s (CED’s) engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications. CED is a vital contributor to national security by developing/ testing/ analyzing/ resolving anomalies in cutting-edge communication technologies from DC – 300GHz that enables secure, reliable, and resilient communications in challenging environments. We’re looking for a MMIC Design and Characterization Engineer in CED’s microwave laboratory for performing MMIC & microwave measurements, modeling, and simulation. We have substantial projects that need your innovative approaches, efforts, and technical leadership. Our academic-like inspiring atmosphere encourages collaboration with and continued learning from engineers who are leaders in their fields of expertise. We're also ready to learn from you. As an intern within CED, you will be involved in designing next-generation Gallium Nitride (GaN) microwave circuits, making on-wafer high frequency RF measurements, semiconductor modeling, designing and building RF boards and test fixtures, and learning the fundamentals you will need to be a successful RF/Microwave engineer. What You’ll Be Doing On-wafer and coaxial microwave testbench development and use of setups for various RF measurements such as S-parameters, phase noise, etc. Analyze and design MMICs and microwave circuits such as power amplifiers (PAs), low noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, and more using design software such as ADS or HFSS, assist with building them in the lab, and testing them to extract key insights for customers. Develop models of GaN transistors by taking pulsed-IV, S-parameters, and load pull measurement and extracting device parameters. Collaborate with engineers and technicians to arrive at innovative solutions/answers to customer needs. Training and mentorship will be provided

Requirements

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.
Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a M.S. or PhD degree in 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 degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
Demonstrated understanding of fundamentals of analog/RF/microwave circuits, transmission line theory, and electromagnetics.
Minimum GPA of 3.0
This position requires 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.
Transcripts required.

Nice To Haves

GPA 3.5 or higher
Active security clearance
Experience with design and simulation tools such as ADS, SPICE, OR Microwave Office OR HFSS
Experience with RF measurements using Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, and Oscilloscopes
Experience with on-wafer measurements and device characterization or modeling
Project experience in building and measuring analog/microwave circuits such as LNAs, PAs, receivers, etc.
Demonstrated leadership skills in organizing technical team meetings, developing technical presentations and sharing them among team members
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB.
Practical knowledge of a DC/analog/RF circuit design simulation software.

Responsibilities

On-wafer and coaxial microwave testbench development and use of setups for various RF measurements such as S-parameters, phase noise, etc.
Analyze and design MMICs and microwave circuits such as power amplifiers (PAs), low noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, and more using design software such as ADS or HFSS, assist with building them in the lab, and testing them to extract key insights for customers.
Develop models of GaN transistors by taking pulsed-IV, S-parameters, and load pull measurement and extracting device parameters.
Collaborate with engineers and technicians to arrive at innovative solutions/answers to customer needs.
Training and mentorship will be provided

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