2026 Structural Engineering Graduate Intern
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. he Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Structural Systems Section provides technical expertise in the fields of stage propulsion structural systems for launch and space vehicles developed across the industry, advanced structural analysis, and fracture mechanics. We specialize in the development of technical assessments to help inform customer decisions, including design guidance, industry standards, and evaluations of flightworthiness of National Security Space Launch vehicles. What You’ll Be Doing Assignments vary depending on the hiring organization, but you are applying to the same role for which you were an intern in 2025 at The Aerospace Corporation Learning about the evaluation of launch vehicle structures including plumbing, bellows, valves, pressurized components, pressurized structures, composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) and LV/SV interfaces Helping assess the strength, fracture-life, structural integrity, and stability of launch vehicle structures subject to combined mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads Visiting local contractors to get hands-on experience with flight hardware Developing novel software capabilities that facilitate the support of contractor hardware acceptance reviews Assisting in the development of documentation for launch vehicle certification activities 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 What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Masters or PhD Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and other STEM related disciplines 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. First year graduate school completed by internship start date Coursework relevant to concepts in one or more of the following: finite element analysis, launch vehicle structures and/or advanced structural mechanics Experience with flight hardware – design, analysis or hands-on are all acceptable Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) 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 3.5 or higher Active security clearance Experience with GTAW/TIG welding Experience with ANSYS Workbench, Abaqus, HyperWorks, Nastran, NASGRO, C, C++, HTML, Python, Matlab 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 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.
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 Masters or PhD Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and other STEM related disciplines
- 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.
- First year graduate school completed by internship start date
- Coursework relevant to concepts in one or more of the following: finite element analysis, launch vehicle structures and/or advanced structural mechanics
- Experience with flight hardware – design, analysis or hands-on are all acceptable
- Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- GPA 3.5 or higher
- Active security clearance
- Experience with GTAW/TIG welding
- Experience with ANSYS Workbench, Abaqus, HyperWorks, Nastran, NASGRO, C, C++, HTML, Python, Matlab 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
Responsibilities
- Learning about the evaluation of launch vehicle structures including plumbing, bellows, valves, pressurized components, pressurized structures, composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) and LV/SV interfaces
- Helping assess the strength, fracture-life, structural integrity, and stability of launch vehicle structures subject to combined mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads
- Visiting local contractors to get hands-on experience with flight hardware
- Developing novel software capabilities that facilitate the support of contractor hardware acceptance reviews
- Assisting in the development of documentation for launch vehicle certification activities
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed
Benefits
- 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.
- During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
