Mechanical Engineer Intern at Analytical… · Mountain…

Summary: Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is accepting applications for a summer internship position at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. The successful candidate will support the Entry Systems and Vehicle Development Branch, focusing on the design, development, testing, and prototyping of atmospheric Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems. Responsibilities: - NASA ARC is seeking support for thermal protection and entry systems projects, including SPEED (Stratospheric Projectile Experiment of Entry Dynamics): - Design, prototyping, integration and testing of capsule ejection mechanisms and subsystems - Development and analysis of entry capsules for flight tests - CAD modeling and documentation of flight hardware designs - Fabrication and testing support for prototype entry vehicles - Collaboration with engineering teams on entry system technologies - Support for ground test campaigns and flight test preparations - Documentation of design analyses and test results Required Qualifications: - Currently enrolled or attended within the last 6 months as an undergraduate or graduate student at an ABET-accredited university - Major in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline - Demonstrated mechanical design and prototyping experience - CAD experience (SolidWorks, PTC/Creo, NX, or similar) - Strong problem-solving and analytical skills - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment Preferred Qualifications: - Design for manufacturing experience - Hands-on experience with machine shop tools and fabrication methods - Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping - Experience with spaceflight hardware development concepts - Experience with mechanism design and multi-body dynamics analysis - Knowledge of aerospace structural design principles - Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools - Familiarity with systems integration and assembly processes - Understanding of aerodynamic vehicle design principles - Experience with entry system technologies or atmospheric flight vehicles - Knowledge of thermal and structural testing methods - Background in materials selection for aerospace applications - Familiarity with flight test operations and instrumentation - Experience with separation mechanisms or pyrotechnic devices - Knowledge of capsule recovery systems - Previous internship experience at NASA or aerospace industry - Involvement in student design competitions or hands-on engineering projects - Experience with composite materials and fabrication techniques Required Skills: Mechanical design, CAD experience, Prototyping experience Important Skills: Analytical skills, Problem-solving skills Nice-to-Have Skills: Design for manufacturing, 3D printing, Finite element analysis, Aerospace structural design, Mechanism design, Multi-body dynamics analysis, Systems integration, Aerodynamic design, Thermal testing methods, Materials selection, Flight test operations, Composite materials, Team collaboration, Written communication, Verbal communication Benefits: Paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, Salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, Tuition reimbursement, Short/long term disability plans, A variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options