Job Description

The Thermal Test & Analysis Intern will support the Thermal/Fluids Analysis group within the Amentum Space Exploration Division at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The intern will work closely with thermal engineers to support ongoing space systems development projects through a combination of hands-on laboratory testing in the HI-TTeMP (Hub for Innovative Thermal Technology Maturation and Prototyping) Laboratory and thermal analysis/modeling.

This position is intended to provide a highly immersive engineering experience, with responsibilities split between the thermal laboratory with hand-on contributions and performing various analysis and technical documentation tasks. The intern will contribute directly to real NASA programs and technology development efforts, gaining exposure to hardware in a professional research and development environment.

Typical projects may include supporting thermal vacuum testing, instrumentation setup, data acquisition, heat transfer analysis, thermal analysis model development, and test correlation activities for hardware at various stages of its development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist thermal engineers with thermal testing and experimental setup, including instrumentation installation (thermocouples, heaters, and other sensors) and test fixture assembly.

• Support thermal vacuum (TVAC) and ambient test operations, including chamber preparation, hardware integration, and test execution.

• Perform thermal design and analysis using engineering tools, spreadsheets, and/or simulation software such as Thermal Desktop.

• Assist with data reduction, plotting, interpretation, and reporting of thermal test results.

• Support development and maintenance of thermal models and test documentation.

• Participate in development of projects and lab preparation by participating in test readiness reviews, technical discussions, and lab safety procedure reviews.

• Complete and maintain proper trainings, as well as explicitly following safety procedures.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers and NASA personnel in a team environment.

Expectations included in the ASED Internship

• You are expected to have a valid driver's license, have access to an automobile, and be able to drive yourself to work locations.

  • NOTICE: Your state-issued drivers’ license must be a Star License, since NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is located on the Army’s Redstone Arsenal, a Federal installation.

• You will be expected to attend MSFC facility scheduled tours, Technical Fellow talks, luncheons, and training sessions in addition to your work.

• We highly encourage you to participate in activities outside of work with your fellow interns. These activities will be scheduled, with your input, by your social coordinators and will be beneficial in forming a cohesive group and lasting friendships.

Required Qualifications

Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline is required. Enrollment in an ABET accredited university is preferred.

• Strong interest in aerospace, thermal systems, heat transfer, and developmental testing.

• Basic knowledge of heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation).

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Self-motivated and eager to contribute to a rapidly evolving and collaborative environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in both laboratory and office environments.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen (required for work at NASA facilities).

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in:

  • Heat Transfer

  • Thermodynamics

  • Fluid Mechanics

• Experience with any of the following is a plus:

  • Thermal Desktop, MATLAB, or similar analysis tools

  • CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, etc.)

  • Data acquisition systems (NI, LabVIEW, etc.)

  • Thermal testing or research laboratory work

  • Thermal vacuum chamber operation

• Familiarity with space systems, aerospace hardware, or research environments.

Essential Functions:

Work Environment:

Office and laboratory environment. The role requires working in a professional engineering lab setting, including interaction with test hardware, instrumentation, and vacuum chambers.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing analysis and documentation.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and use hands for instrumentation setup and lab tasks.

• Ability to lift and move laboratory equipment (typically under 50 lbs).

• Ability to use stairs and move between buildings at NASA facilities.

Equipment and Machines:

• Personal computer and standard office equipment.

• Thermal laboratory equipment including vacuum chambers, sensors, heaters, data acquisition systems, and test fixtures.

Attendance

Normal workday is from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and to support technical demands of the job. Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential (100%). Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.

#ESSCA #ASED #JSEG

#CMSInternship

Service Contract Act (SCA) Compensation & Benefits:

This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position that falls under the Service Contract Act (SCA). In accordance with the Health and Welfare provisions of the SCA, and in addition to your base hourly rate, you may be eligible to receive an additional health and welfare payment for each hour you work to ensure compliance with the minimums set forth by the act. The amount you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the fringe benefits you select now and in the future.

Compensation Details:

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.

Benefits Overview:

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

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.