About the role#
The Adaptive Control for Active Structural Control campaign focuses on advancing flexible-wing aircraft modeling through an integrated fly-fix-fly framework. This project uses progressive flight experiments to evaluate additively manufactured wings for aeroelastic stability and active control technologies. You will work on the full cycle from rapid concept development to flight demonstration, including CAD design, instrumenting UAV prototypes, and validating adaptive control laws.
What you'll do#
- Assist in hardware integration and testing of sensors, actuators, and avionics for flexible wing UAV platforms.
- Develop and maintain low-level drivers and interfaces for communication protocols like UART, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, and I2C.
- Research and specify instrumentation and avionics requirements for scaled flexible wing vehicles.
- Assist in CAD modeling and 3D printing of aircraft center body components and wing designs.
- Support the development of control laws in simulation environments.
- Participate in unit testing, system-level integration, and hardware-in-the-loop simulations to validate control software.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/SIMULINK, C, C++, or Python.
- Proficiency in CAD design using SolidWorks or Creo.
- Experience with 3D printing, microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi, autopilots like Pixhawk, and sensors or actuators.
- Knowledge of communication protocols including UART, CAN, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet.
- A basic understanding of flight control systems, control theory, and embedded systems.
- Knowledge of OpenVSP is helpful but not required.
- US Citizenship is required.
Location & details#
- Location: Edwards, California.
- Term: Summer 2027 (June 7, 2027 to August 13, 2027).
- Modality: On-site at the Armstrong Flight Research Center.
- Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 7am to 4:30pm, with every other Friday off.
About NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is a government agency founded in 1958. It conducts research and development in aeronautics, space exploration, and science. The organization operates from various locations across the United States, including its headquarters in Washington, DC. With over 53,000 employees, it manages missions involving rockets, spacecraft, and Earth observation.
How to get in at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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