Summer Intern - Space Systems

Job Description:

AMA is currently accepting applications for an Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering intern to research the development of a dynamic map of Mars missions and assets, which will facilitate a Communications and Pointing, Navigation, Timing (C&PNT) architecture study for crewed Mars missions. The Summer Intern will work in the Space Mission Analysis Branch at NASA Langley Research Center. to develop a dynamic map of Mars mission assets-including orbiters, rovers, landers, and Earth-based ground infrastructure-within a mission analysis tool such as NASA's General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT) or AGI's Systems Toolkit (STK). This dynamic map will specifically capture the C&PNT capabilities of each asset and the Mars C&PNT infrastructure as a whole. The Mars C&PNT Infrastructure Framework will enable evaluation of Mars C&PNT crew/user needs in the context of Trade-space Reference Missions (TRMs) and solve architecture level problems.

This internship begins June 1, 2026, and concludes August 7, 2026. For candidates with authorization to work in the U.S., onsite work at AMA corporate office is requested.

Pay for this position is $23.10 - $33.50, depending on education and location.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct a literature review of C&PNT capabilities of the past Mars missions and any prior work on similar frameworks.
• Install and evaluate GMAT and STK for suitability in achieving project objectives.
• Model all Mars assets/missions and their C&PNT capabilities using GMAT or STK.
• Model relevant Earth-based C&PNT ground infrastructure that supported the Mars missions.
• Design a crewed Mars TRM (to Mars orbit or surface).
• Implement the Mars TRM within the Mars C&PNT Infrastructure Framework in GMAT/STK.
• Develop mission CONOPS for the crewed Mars TRM.
• Simulate the Mars TRM CONOPS within the framework.
• Analyze simulation results and document findings in a report and presentation.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or Graduate student in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical or related Engineering with systems knowledge
• An understanding of Space C&PNT and experience using GMAT, STK, or similar tools
• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited university are highly preferred and they must attend a Virgina school or be a permanent resident of Virgina.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required
• Progress toward a degree (undergraduate or graduate) in technical areas of relevance to C&PNT systems
• US citizenship or permanent US residency is preferred and may be a requirement to work on site. Only candidates currently authorized to work in the US will be accepted (no visa sponsorship)

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.