# 2027 Lidar Undergraduate Intern **Company:** [The Aerospace Corporation](https://zerogtalent.com/space-companies/the-aerospace-corporation) **Location:** El Segundo, CA **Work mode:** On-site **Seniority:** Intern **Employment type:** Internship **Salary:** USD 26–30/hr **Category:** Engineering **Listed:** 2026-11-12 [View and apply on Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/the-aerospace-corporation/2027-lidar-undergraduate-intern-R017200) ## What you'll do - Design and execute optical experiments - Characterize sensor performance under various conditions - Develop and verify image processing algorithms - Support atmospheric lidar and remote sensing research ## What you need - Currently enrolled full-time pursuing a Bachelor's degree - Junior class standing completed by internship start - Minimum GPA of 3.0 - Experience in Python, C++, or MATLAB - U.S. citizenship required for security clearance ## Job description 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 (PTD) is hiring an Atmospheric Lidar Undergraduate-level intern to perform research and development, and support program needs with a focus on emerging photonic technologies and platforms such as lidar sensors, fiber laser systems, integrated photonics, and linear/Geiger mode photodiodes. Developing relevant enabling technologies, several efforts are being pursued in imaging sensor design, testing and image processing.   The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. **What You’ll Be Doing** - Design and execution of optical experiments including operation of optical sources, detectors, and data acquisition and control electronics - Characterization of sensor performance under various nominal and anomalous conditions  - Development and verification of image processing algorithms to maximize the information content of corresponding data products - Technology fields include: atmospheric lidar, 3D remote sensing lidar and imaging for space-based systems, and atmospheric aerosol characterization. - 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 Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Sciences, Optical Science, Physics or related discipline - Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Bachelor's degree program full-time after completion of the internship. - Junior class standing completed by internship start date  - Minimum GPA of 3.0   - Experience in a programming language (such as Python, C++, MATLAB) for system control, system testing, and data analysis - 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:_  - Active security clearance - Experience with Atmospheric optics/physics, laser or lidar sensors. - Knowledge in one of these domains: atmospheric lidar, atmospheric characterization, remote sensing, laser, or closely related fields - Programming experience, particularly command and control of laboratory equipment and sensors  - Experience with data visualization and analysis tools 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) $26.00 - $30.00 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](mailto:peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org) . You can also review [Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal](https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf). ## Other open roles at The Aerospace Corporation - [2027 Lidar Graduate Intern](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/the-aerospace-corporation/2027-lidar-graduate-intern-R017199) — El Segundo, CA - [Narrowband (NB) Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (SEIT) Lead](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/the-aerospace-corporation/narrowband-nb-systems-engineering-integration-and-test-seit-lead-R017197) — San Diego, CA - [Associate Principal Director, Space Warfighting Operations](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/the-aerospace-corporation/associate-principal-director-space-warfighting-operations-R017207) — Colorado Springs, CO - [Senior Acquisition Engineer](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/the-aerospace-corporation/senior-acquisition-engineer-R017160) — Remote - US; El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA - [Acquisition Lifecycle Engineer](https://zerogtalent.com/space-jobs/the-aerospace-corporation/acquisition-lifecycle-engineer-R017083) — Chantilly, VA; El Segundo, CA; Albuquerque, NM --- *Source: [Zero G Talent](https://zerogtalent.com), the job board for space, defense, AI, robotics and frontier-tech companies.*