About the role#
Overview Energy is looking for a Mechanical Engineering Intern to design the structure for our ground beacon system. This role focuses on the design of a transportable platform that allows the beacon and its components to move from the lab to field test sites. You will balance the competing requirements of portability, modularity, and structural stiffness. Your work will directly support a program funded by the Department of War, and you will work alongside our optics team to ensure the final design meets all performance requirements.
What you'll do#
- Design system mounting for pre-delivery, transit, and installed states.
- Balance portability and modularity against stiffness and alignment retention while documenting your design reasoning.
- Build parametric CAD models and produce drawings for machine shop manufacture.
- Analyze environmental effects like temperature and wind loading on the installed system.
- Quantify the impact of these factors on pointing stability.
- Characterize transportation effects such as shock, vibration, and handling, and recommend mitigations.
- Support setup, teardown, and field checkout with the optics team.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's or master's program in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with an expected graduation in Spring 2027.
- Working proficiency in CAD, preferably NX.
- Coursework in statics, mechanics of materials, and vibrations.
- Hands-on fabrication or assembly experience from machine shops, Formula SAE, robotics, research labs, or personal builds.
- We have a strong preference for candidates with FEA experience for static, modal, or random vibration analysis using NX or NASTRAN.
- Exposure to shock and vibration testing or transportation standards like MIL-STD-810 is preferred.
- Proficiency in GD&T and practical judgment in DFM and DFA.
- Experience designing optomechanical mounts, kinematic mounts, or alignment-critical hardware.
- Demonstrated interest in defense, space, or energy applications.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, part-time, on-site internship based in Ashburn, Virginia.
- The term runs from September 2026 through March 2027, requiring 5 to 10 hours per week.
- This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual.
About Overview Energy
Overview Energy operates in the space research and technology sector. The company develops satellites designed to capture sunlight in orbit and transmit it to the power grid on Earth. It maintains a focus on providing a continuous solar energy resource. Founded in 2022, the organization is based in Ashburn, Virginia, and employs between 11 and 50 people.
How to get in at Overview Energy
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