Undergraduate ASIC/FPGA Security Engineer Intern

@ The Aerospace Corporation

About The Aerospace Corporation

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 deliver innovative solutions in satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers.

Position Overview

The Undergraduate ASIC/FPGA Security Engineer Intern will join the Embedded & Specialized Computing Department (ESCD) within the Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD). This is a full-time, 100% onsite internship located in either El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA. The role focuses on hardware security research and development, with projects including hardware Trojan detection, vulnerability mitigation, and assisting in policy documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and develop tools for detecting hardware Trojans.
• Analyze FPGA/ASIC designs for security vulnerabilities.
• Define threat paths and advise on vulnerability mitigations.
• Contribute to microelectronics assurance policies and documentation.
• Collaborate in interdisciplinary research with academic partners.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Enrollment in a bachelor's degree program in computer/electrical engineering, computer science, or related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Linux environment and FPGA design using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Familiarity with major vendor tools (e.g., Xilinx, Altera, Microsemi).
• Basic coding skills in C, C++, Python, Perl, or shell scripting.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications

• GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Active Security Clearance.
• Experience with hardware security and machine learning.
• Familiarity with ASIC/FPGA verification tools from Mentor Graphics, Cadence, or Synopsys.

Compensation and Benefits

This internship offers a competitive hourly rate between $26.00 and $30.00 depending on qualifications, along with standard benefits such as comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, 401(k) plans, professional growth, and development programs.

Key skills/competency

• hardware security
• FPGA
• ASIC
• embedded systems
• vulnerability
• research
• development
• Linux
• Coding
• policy