2027 SDR/Digital Signal Processing Undergraduate Intern

About the role

The Aerospace Corporation’s Mission Payloads Division (MPD) pioneers remote sensing systems for the nation’s space enterprise. Within MPD, the Digital Electronics and Electromagnetic Department manages the full communications chain—from RF signals to digital bits—and develops satellite payloads, advanced signal collection methods, new modulation schemes, testbed environments, and innovative antenna design, characterization, and measurement approaches. We are seeking an SDR/Digital Signal Processing Undergraduate Intern to join our team in Chantilly, VA, work full‑time onsite, collaborate with leading technical experts, and support critical programs for the United States Space Force and the Intelligence Community.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands‑on experience with the department's laboratory infrastructure, including advanced SDR hardware platforms, CI/CD development environments, high‑performance compute hardware, and RF test and measurement equipment.
• Solve technically challenging problems in the areas of communications, signals collection, and data processing.
• Work cooperatively with subject area experts in cross‑organizational teams; participating in interfaces with customers and/or Aerospace program offices.
• Support technical studies/analysis/experiments/simulations and be able to document and present findings to a wide audience.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.
• Training and mentorship will be provided.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled full‑time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics or a 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.
• Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Experience with scientific programming using languages such as MATLAB, Python, C, etc.
• Understanding of fundamental principles of digital signal processing.
• Exposure to common applications for DSP such as communications or remote sensing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Transcripts required.

Qualifications

• GPA 3.5 or higher.
• Active security clearance.
• Experience working with and developing applications for software defined radios.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment with RF devices and associated test equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, etc.
• Familiarity with basic communications systems components and ability to analyze system performance.
• Understanding of computer networking principles and protocols.
• Experience working in Linux‑based development environments.

Skills

• 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.

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.

Pay

$26.00 - $3