Digital Signal Processing Engineer Internships
Digital signal processing engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience working alongside practicing engineers, plus mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with The Aerospace Corporation, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, and Shure among the employers posting roles now.
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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.
The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Signal Processing and RF Engineering Grad Intern for the Communication Software Implementation Department (CSID) in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). Position will be full-time, onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.
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!
Job Summary
CSID performs proof-of-concept studies, implements new algorithms, and builds prototypes for signal processing applications. We are subject matter experts who provide technical advice to our customers on satellite communication systems.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design, build, code, and test software/hardware prototypes for signal processing applications
- Deliver tech demos and briefings
- Work on multiple projects simultaneously, both independently and in small team within the department
- 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 Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 12 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Software development experience in one or more of these languages: Python, C/C++, Golang, Rust, Swift, Julia
- Familiarity with digital signal processing and RF communication technique
- This position requires the 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 required
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Active security clearance
- Experience in satellite communications, CubeSats, or GPS/GNSS/PNT systems
- Development experience in software-defined radio environment such as GNU Radio
- Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning techniques
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)
$32.00 - $35.00 Pay Basis: HourlyLeadership 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 .
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.
The Aerospace Corporation is hiring a Signal Processing and RF Engineering Grad Intern for the Communication Software Implementation Department (CSID) in the Mission Payloads Division (MPD). Position will be full-time, onsite at our office in El Segundo, CA.
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!
Job Summary
CSID performs proof-of-concept studies, implements new algorithms, and builds prototypes for signal processing applications. We are subject matter experts who provide technical advice to our customers on satellite communication systems.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design, build, code, and test software/hardware prototypes for signal processing applications
- Deliver tech demos and briefings
- Work on multiple projects simultaneously, both independently and in small team within the department
- 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 Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
- Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 12 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Software development experience in one or more of these languages: Python, C/C++, Golang, Rust, Swift, Julia
- Familiarity with digital signal processing and RF communication technique
- This position requires the 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 required
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Active security clearance
- Experience in satellite communications, CubeSats, or GPS/GNSS/PNT systems
- Development experience in software-defined radio environment such as GNU Radio
- Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning techniques
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)
$32.00 - $35.00 Pay Basis: HourlyLeadership 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 .
Digital Signal Processing Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Digital Signal Processing Engineer Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large employers in defense, semiconductor, and communications recruit summer digital signal processing engineer interns the preceding fall, with some application windows closing in September or October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Checking listings regularly lets you catch both cycles without missing the early deadlines that most candidates underestimate.
Build a portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for digital signal processing engineer internships have limited work history to review, so project evidence fills that gap. Document two or three complete projects showing filter design, spectral analysis, or embedded signal work, and make them accessible through a linked GitHub repository or a written project writeup recruiters can open in under a minute.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured DSP internship programs tied directly to your university, and professors with industry connections often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time, since those roles rarely appear at campus events and require you to find them independently.
Practice your technical screen out loud before applying
Digital signal processing engineer intern screens typically include a technical coding or problem-solving round covering signal processing concepts, data structures, and algorithm design. Practice solving problems out loud and explaining your reasoning at each step, since interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as heavily as whether you reach the right answer.
Target structured DSP internship programs at larger employers
Defense contractors, semiconductor companies, and large communications firms run cohort-based internship programs built to train engineers new to signal processing work. These programs recruit earlier than general postings and fill their cohorts fast, so identify the structured programs that match your background and get your application in during the first recruiting wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 0% of the digital signal processing engineer internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start sorting through listings, then filter by location and work type so you spend your time on roles you can actually accept rather than sorting through ones that do not fit your situation.
Digital Signal Processing Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a digital signal processing engineer internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. The concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a portfolio of documented signal processing work, such as linked code repositories, simulation results, or filter design demos. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a digital signal processing engineer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it is consistent performance on real project work, available headcount on the team, and how early you signal interest before the return-offer decision window closes. Position yourself well without counting on it, and keep other applications moving in parallel.
When should I apply for digital signal processing engineer internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers, particularly in defense, semiconductor, and consumer electronics, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, with applications closing as early as September or October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly means you catch both recruiting cycles rather than just one.
Are digital signal processing engineer internships paid?
Most professional digital signal processing engineer internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid arrangements are uncommon at professional employers but can appear at nonprofits or very small companies, so check the listing details before applying.
What should a digital signal processing engineer internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Highlight two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools, algorithms, and hardware platforms you used, and link to the work where possible, such as a GitHub repository, a simulation writeup, or a published analysis. Add relevant coursework in areas like digital filters, Fourier analysis, or embedded systems, and keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote digital signal processing engineer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 100% of the digital signal processing engineer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
What is a defense or aerospace DSP internship program?
Many large defense and aerospace contractors run structured cohort internship programs that rotate students across DSP, embedded systems, and radar or communications engineering teams. These programs are designed for people early in their engineering careers, recruit aggressively from universities with strong electrical engineering programs, and open applications well before the summer cycle, so identify the ones that fit your background and apply in the first wave.
Can international students get digital signal processing engineer internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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