Experimental Materials Intern

Job Description:

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking three highly motivated and detail-oriented Experimental Materials Interns. These positions support NASA under the Aircraft Systems and Spaceflight Engineering Support Services (ASSESS) contract at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) in Moffett Field, CA. Interns will work on-site within the Thermal Protection Materials (TSM) Branch, part of the Entry Systems and Technology Division at NASA ARC.

The positions are expected to start in August 2026 and continue for a minimum of five months. Level of effort can be variable during the school year based on course schedule but may ramp up to full-time during the summer.

About the project

This internship supports ongoing research and engineering efforts supporting advanced materials testing, additive manufacturing, and plasma/laser diagnostic capabilities. Work spans several interconnected project areas:

• Materials Testing & Analysis: Development of a Shannon Entropy metric and analysis pipeline for automated detection of "bird nest" defects in 3D Woven Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials, along with a photogrammetry scanning system for cataloging materials following Arc Jet testing.

• Additive Manufacturing Support: Continued support of resin and ceramic additive manufacturing capabilities, including software configuration, handling of alumina and engineering resins, post-processing of printed parts, and documentation of print defects and performance trends. This includes producing nozzles, plasma test articles, fixtures, and experiment support structures, as well as assisting with CAD design and design-for-printability reviews for MHD and plasma-flow research.

• ARCTRON System Development: Support for integration design work on the ARCTRON platform, including evaluation of nozzle and printed-material performance, iterative design of a convergent-divergent nozzle for plasma discharge experiments, and continued expansion of data acquisition and test automation capabilities via the STARDAC platform.

• Laser System Commissioning: Continuation of the commissioning effort for a 2kW laser system, including buildout of an optical enclosure and instrumentation system, and operation of the laser to conduct calorimetry experiments.

Interns will collaborate with researchers, contractors, and fellow interns across these efforts, contributing to practical fabrication, experimental setup, documentation, and hands-on evaluation—while working within the broader technical direction of ongoing research projects.

Position Details

• Location: NASA Ames Research Center (on-site attendance required)

• Compensation: $29.50/hr – $33.50/hr, commensurate with education level

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary depending on the assigned project, and may include:

• Developing and refining data analysis pipelines (e.g., Shannon Entropy metrics) for automated defect detection in advanced materials

• Operating photogrammetry and imaging systems for post-test material cataloging and characterization

• Supporting resin and ceramic additive manufacturing, including software setup, material handling, and post-processing of printed parts

• Assisting with CAD design and design-for-printability review for test articles, fixtures, and experiment support structures

• Supporting integration, design iteration, and performance evaluation of hardware (e.g., nozzles) for plasma and MHD experiments

• Assisting with commissioning and operation of laser and plasma test systems, including instrumentation buildout and calorimetry experiments

• Contributing to data acquisition and test automation development (e.g., via the STARDAC platform)

• Providing regular verbal and written progress updates to a research mentor

Desired Skills

• Experience with CAD software and design for additive manufacturing

• Familiarity with resin and/or ceramic 3D printing processes and post-processing techniques

• Experience with data analysis, scripting, or automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB)

• Familiarity with photogrammetry, imaging, or nondestructive evaluation techniques

• Knowledge of plasma facilities, optical diagnostics, or laser-based measurement systems

• Familiarity with machining tools and techniques, and hands-on fabrication experience

• Experience with materials testing in extreme-environment conditions (e.g., Arc Jet, plasma discharge)

• Understanding of standard laboratory procedures and safety practices

• Ability to work collaboratively with mentors, contractors, and other interns across multidisciplinary projects

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a B.S. degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs (required for some positions involving fabrication/lab work)

• Ability to work on-site at NASA Ames Research Center for the full internship duration

• This position require U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (due to export control requirements)

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.