About the role#
This internship at the Armstrong Flight Research Center focuses on high-performance computing and embedded software for aerospace applications. You will work with teams developing real-time flight control software and compute-intensive algorithms for safety-critical environments. The project supports the High-Performance Spaceflight Computing platform and the Next-generation Research Flight Controls System.
What you'll do#
- Design and optimize real-time software systems using C and C++.
- Implement multithreaded solutions for time-sensitive applications.
- Write software for Unix/Linux systems and real-time operating systems with preemptive scheduling.
- Develop and maintain low-level drivers for protocols like UART, CAN, Ethernet, SPI, and I2C.
- Support the implementation and tuning of flight control algorithms, including sensor fusion and fault-tolerant redundancy.
- Participate in unit testing, system-level integration, and hardware-in-the-loop testing simulations.
- Follow development processes aligned with safety-critical standards such as DO-178C.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a degree program for Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Proficiency in C, C++, and Python.
- Experience with Unix/Linux development environments, shell scripting, and toolchains.
- Knowledge of multithreaded programming, real-time systems, and RTOS architectures.
- Understanding of flight control systems, control theory, and embedded systems.
- Familiarity with communication protocols and device driver development.
- Experience with flight software frameworks such as F Prime or cFS.
Location & details#
- Location: Edwards, California.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Summer 2027 (June 7, 2027 to August 13, 2027).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Citizenship: US Citizen only.
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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