As an Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED) intern, you will work alongside engineers and scientists on hardware development, payload integration & operations, laboratory & test operations, modeling & simulation, space environments, scientific research and propulsion systems for programs like Human Landing Systems, Space Launch Systems and the International Space Station!

Job Description
The Biofilm Mitigation Support Intern will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians supporting NASA mission research with a strong emphasis on laboratory safety, teamwork, and hands-on learning. This position provides practical experience contributing to biofilm studies, microbial mitigation, and biological testing relevant to current and future spaceflight needs.

The selected candidate will support the ES62 Biofilm Mitigation team in day-to-day laboratory operations, including preparation of media and reagents, microbial culturing, analytical measurements, and maintenance of laboratory materials and instrumentation. Working under the guidance of senior laboratory personnel, the intern will gain exposure to microbiology techniques, biofilm growth and characterization methods, microscopy, the overlap between biology and engineering and general laboratory management. This internship is designed as a 2 to 3‑month work opportunity. Interns will present a poster to Amentum and NASA leadership at the end of their internship.

Technical/Hands On Responsibilities:

• See an experiment through developing a test plan to writing a final report

• Determine the appropriate hardware component sizes, microbial doses, and flow rates based on given starting conditions or requirements

• Assist in maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation

• Assist with shipment coordination, including delivery intake and proper storage

• Maintain clear and accurate records of laboratory procedures

• Organize chemical storage, including refrigerated chemicals and biological materials

• Maintain biohazardous waste bins and disposal dates in accordance with safety protocols

Expectations included in the ASED Internship:

• You are expected to have a valid driver’s license, have access to an automobile, and be able to drive yourself to work locations.

• You will be expected to attend MSFC facility scheduled tours, Technical Fellow talks, luncheons, and training sessions in addition to your work.

• We highly encourage you to participate in activities outside of work with your fellow interns. These activities will be scheduled, with your input, by your social coordinators and will be beneficial in forming a cohesive group and lasting friendships.

Qualifications:

Enrollment in an accredited college or university working toward a BS degree in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related technical discipline is required. Coursework or laboratory experience with microbiology or analytical methods is desired. Must be able to provide own transportation.

Skills: (preferred or developed during internship)

• Ability to:

  • Track, order, and organize laboratory supplies and support test planning by maintaining materials lists

  • Assist with test planning and preparation, including media preparation and autoclaving of materials

  • Revive bacterial and fungal frozen stocks for experimental use

  • Prepare common laboratory solutions such as Alconox, antibiotics, and light chemical reagents

  • Write and review laboratory documents, protocols, and manuscripts for clarity and accuracy

• Experience:

  • Performing colony counting, drop-plate assays, spiral plating, isolation streak plates, and serial dilutions

  • Using basic statistical and graphing tools (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

  • With or interest building test setups from existing components and being creative with hardware usage

• Familiarity with microbial growth curves, spectroscopy, and microscopy

• Strong organizational skills and ability to help ensure laboratory cleanliness and sanitization

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities, but able to confidently work independently on tasks as well

• Some knowledge of wastewater systems and testing a plus

• Knowledge/experience in hydroponics a plus

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Office and laboratory environment. Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (<10%).

Physical Requirements

Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (40%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and Amentum facilities (10%).

Equipment and Machines

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%).

Attendance

Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

#ESSCA #ASED #JSEG

#CMSInternship

       

Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits:

This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with the Health and Welfare provisions of the SCA, and in addition to your base hourly rate, you may be eligible to receive an additional health and welfare payment for each hour you work to ensure compliance with the minimums set forth by the act. The amount you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the fringe benefits you select now and in the future.

       

Compensation Details:

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The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

03/12/2026 - 03/15/2026

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.