About the role#
This full-time internship focuses on developing in-space manufacturing technologies to sustain a human presence on the lunar surface and prepare for crewed Mars exploration. You will help create methods for sourcing materials, constructing, repairing, and recycling equipment to reduce the reliance on supplies from Earth. This work involves balancing technical research with hands-on laboratory development to ensure hardware is safe for crew use.
What you'll do#
- Review and report on the current state and future potential of manufacturing and certification methods.
- Conduct hands-on investigation and lab-scale replication of manufacturing processes.
- Develop techniques for the verification, validation, and certification of equipment for crew use.
- Evaluate how existing NASA standards can be modified to support in-space manufacturing while maintaining safety.
- Attend daily meetings with your mentor and weekly sessions with the full team.
- Collaborate across different working teams and interact with industry partners, academia, contractors, and other government agencies.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as an undergraduate junior, senior, or graduate master's student in a field such as mechanical, aerospace, chemical, or electrical engineering.
- Knowledge in at least one area of metallic, ceramic, electronics, composite, or polymer manufacturing.
- Familiarity with manufacturing techniques and the unique challenges of the space environment.
- Ability to work in a laboratory setting, including standing for long periods and performing repeated heavy lifting up to 45 lbs.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and handle potentially hazardous chemicals safely.
- Experience with manufacturing equipment or diagnostic techniques is helpful but not required.
Location & details#
- Location: Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Term: Summer 2027 (June 7, 2027, to August 13, 2027).
- Modality: 100% on-site, 40 hours per week during core business hours.
- Citizenship: US citizenship is required.
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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