IC 2026 Communications Systems and Firmware Engineering

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.

Internship conversion position for the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetics Department (DEED) within the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). This position will be full-time, 100% onsite at our office in Chantilly, VA

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!

What You’ll Be Doing

• Joining the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetics Department as an early-career engineer who works both independently and as a member of project teams

• Assisting senior staff in laboratory prototyping work that includes designing, building, and testing digital signal processing algorithms in SDRs and FPGAs

• Solving technical problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and data processing 

• Supporting customer programs by performing research, analysis, development, and assessments of signal processing algorithm implementations on operational hardware  

• Supporting our DOD and Intelligence customers with primary support to the National Reconnaissance Office

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  

• Advanced degree from an accredited college/university program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Transcripts required

• Prior internship at The Aerospace Corporation

• 0-1 year of relevant industry work experience

• Experience in developing and implementing DSP algorithms with real world performance requirements on CPU, GPU, and/or FPGA-based platforms

• Ability to analyze requirements and document simulation/test results

• Willing to travel [occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically/internationally] approx. 10% of time

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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 in a laboratory environment working with FPGAs and/or SDRs, and associated test equipment such as network analyzers, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers

• Knowledgeable with a variety of popular FPGA tools such as Vivado/Vitis, Quartus, ModelSim, Questasim, and/or Symplify

• Ability to work with experts in the fields of antenna systems, RF systems, SIGINT processing, communications systems and hardware prototyping

• Proficiency in scientific programming using languages such as Matlab, C, C++, Python, Fortran

• Robust qualifications in hardware descriptor languages (HDL) such as VHDL, Verilog,

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)

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.