Fall 2026 - Spaceflight Hardware Intern

About the role

We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration. This is a temporary role not to exceed 15 weeks. We are looking for a Fall 2026 intern for NASA JSC's Project Management and Systems Engineering (EX) Division.

Responsibilities

Depending on which project is assigned, you will perform some of the following systems engineering tasks:

• Support Lunar surface campaign modeling and analysis efforts
• Support integration and analysis tasks for the lunar architecture studies
• Develop early life cycle systems engineering products such as concept of operations, feasibility analysis, and identify major constraints and assumptions
• Conduct engineering analysis to determine feasibility of proposed mission concepts by analyzing spacecraft trajectories, tabulating consumables (e.g. power, water), and researching constraints (e.g. lighting)
• Participate in the development of concept mission design and/or analysis for future human spaceflight missions such as Artemis lunar landings and/or Human Mars Missions
• Participate in the development of a Mars analog habitat that will allow NASA to study various elements of crew interaction during a simulated Human Mars Missions
• Assist in the development of engineering analysis tools for evaluating mission design concepts for future human exploration of the Moon and Mars such as Artemis lunar landings and/or Human Mars Missions
• Perform and review system level architecture trade studies and analyses that will influence the overall system design and performance
• Develop procedures for building and testing a lunar rover to search for water ice on the moon's south pole
• Develop plans and technology for the mitigation, control, and management of dust contamination for lunar surface exploration
• Work with team members to identify risks, develop risk statements and responses
• Work with team members in the development of system requirements
• Prepare reports as required
• Interact with other NASA and JETS teams and departments

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, you must be:

• Currently enrolled at an accredited university
• Completed at least 45 credit hours
• Have a minimum of 2.8 GPA
• Understand DYREQT Framework
• Have experience with multi-disciplinary design analysis and optimization
• Be enrolled in an ABET accredited engineering or engineering technology degree program

Qualifications

In addition to the requirements, the following qualifications are preferred:

• Interest in human spaceflight
• Familiarity with systems engineering discipline and products such as requirements development and tracking, conops, trade studies, verification, and validation
• Familiarity with STK or Copernicus software tools
• Familiarity with engineering analysis software tools such as Matlab and/or programming tools such as Python
• Familiarity with test and measurement approaches common in university engineering labs (e.g. digital scales, inspection microscopes, multi-meters, etc.)
• Aerospace or Mechanical engineering degree seeking student
• Master's engineering degree seeking student
• Coursework in the following subjects: orbital dynamics, spacecraft or launch vehicle trajectories, spacecraft systems, spacecraft operations
• Experience with extra-curricular activities such as Cubesat, Rocket clubs, AIAA, etc.

Benefits

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Pay

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Schedule

We offer a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable.