Oceanographic Lidar Remote Sensing and Field Campaign Intern @ Analytical Mechanics Associates

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated summer intern to join our team in advancing ocean remote sensing technologies. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of active remote sensing, mathematical modeling, and oceanography. The successful candidate will focus on simulating and analyzing lidar ocean measurements to better understand underwater optical properties, while also providing critical support for upcoming multi-platform field campaigns. This work will directly contribute to our understanding of marine ecosystems and help bridge the gap between in-situ active sensors and global satellite observations, particularly in support of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission.

This part‑time internship lasts up to one year and includes about 10 hours of work per week, offering steady involvement in ongoing projects and meaningful skill development.

Key Responsibilities:

Simulation Development: Utilize Monte Carlo programming techniques to develop and refine lidar simulations, modeling the complex propagation of light in the ocean under various environmental and physical conditions.
Lidar Data Analysis: Analyze active lidar ocean measurements, with a specific focus on extracting and interpreting backscatter, attenuation, and depolarization data.
Field Campaign Support: Actively participate in the planning, logistical preparation, and execution of upcoming field campaigns to gather validation data. Campaigns will involve coordinated aircraft and ship-based deployments, with the primary focus on shipboard operations.

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

Quantitative & Coding Proficiency: Strong mathematical foundation and excellent programming skills, with a specific interest or background in developing Monte Carlo simulations.

Technical Knowledge: A working knowledge of (or strong academic background related to) using active lidar systems for ocean remote sensing applications.
Satellite Mission Familiarity: An understanding of the measurements and capabilities of satellite remote sensors, with particular emphasis on the NASA PACE mission and its ocean color/aerosol objectives.
Academic Background: Pursuing a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Oceanography, Atmospheric Science, or a related STEM field.

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 Affirmative Action/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.

About the company

Analytical Mechanics Associates provides engineering, mathematics, and information technology services to government and commercial clients. It solves complex problems by combining engineering, science, and math with visualization to build models, simulations, and decision-support tools. It differentiates itself with a long track record since 1962 and a nationwide network of offices that mix a small-business feel with broad aerospace, defense, and energy expertise. Its goal is to deliver reliable, practical solutions and spark future discoveries through rigorous analysis and effective visualization.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Hampton, Virginia

Founded

1962

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Ames awarded AMA $4.6 million CFD support in April 2026.
NASA expanded AMA's TESM-like work with $10.1 million TPS, IT, and R&D support.
The July 2026 WERK award shows AMA is entering climate-risk workstreams.

What critics are saying

NASA concentration leaves AMA exposed if Ames or Langley recompetes in 2027.
STC already challenged AMA awards; another protest could freeze revenue and hiring.
If NASA consolidates engineering support vendors, AMA's core franchise loses scale by 2028.

What makes Analytical Mechanics Associates unique

AMA won NASA TEAMS 2 and TEAMS 3, proving deep Langley integration.
Joseph Poist joined as CEO in February 2026, bringing NASA and SAIC leadership.
AMA holds multiple 2026 Ames orders across CFD, TPS, aeronautics, and wildfire resilience.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Company News

WashingtonExec

Feb 10th, 2026

AMA Taps Joseph Poist as CEO

AMA taps Joseph Poist as CEO. The board of directors of Analytical Mechanics Associates has named Joseph Poist CEO after a comprehensive search, citing confidence in his leadership judgment, operational discipline and ability to execute strategy across complex, mission-critical environments. "I am humbled by the board's confidence and excited to lead this organization," Poist said. "The opportunity ahead is significant. My focus will be on clarity of direction, disciplined execution and building an enterprise that delivers and grows consistently." Before joining AMA, Poist served as a vice president at SAIC, leading a large business group supporting complex government missions. Earlier in his career, he served as chief of staff at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, helping oversee a portfolio of over $5 billion in annual programs and a workforce of over 10,000 civil servants and contractors across multiple locations nationwide. During his 14-year career as a civil servant, he also held senior financial leadership roles, including associate deputy chief financial officer for resources, with responsibility for guiding government programs from inception through delivery. Poist succeeds John Abrams as CEO. The board thanked Abrams for his leadership and contributions to the company and wished him continued success.

Analytical Mechanics Associates

Oceanographic Lidar Remote Sensing and Field Campaign Intern

About the job