What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aerodynamics Intern 1 (Summer 2025) position at Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc.?
Job Description:
AMA is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Aerodynamics Intern to join our team in Hampton, VA supporting NASA on the Research, Science and Engineering Services (RSES) contract at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) for Summer 2025. The intern will be responsible for conducting various tasks related to blunt body vehicle aerodynamics and flight mechanics including literature review, problem definition, theoretical formulation, data reduction techniques, and presenting results to a team of engineers.
About the Project:
A series of ballistic range tests was conducted on an Earth Entry Vehicle Experiment configuration at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (Army Base) within their Army Research Facility (ARF). These tests are aimed to determine the aerodynamic forces and moments across a range of angles of attack and Mach numbers. Quasi-linear and nonlinear aerodynamic results, along with trajectory data and fits, were obtained through various data reduction techniques. Currently, the Atmospheric Flight Entry Systems branch at NASA Langley relies on external sources for data reduction. The objective of this internship is to enhance the branch's internal capability in data reduction using NewSTEP for aerodynamic ballistic range test data. NewSTEP is designed to reconstruct the trajectory of an entry vehicle (or test model) from data collected during its flight or a ballistic test. It computes the full 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motion of the vehicle. This capability will be crucial for future missions, as new ballistic range test data becomes available from these missions. The intern will need expertise in flight mechanics and aerodynamics, proficiency in MATLAB for data analysis, and the ability to interpret test data and prepare reports for NASA engineers and scientists.
Pay for this position is $24.33/hr -$33.50/hr
Responsibilities:
Utilize readily available data from ballistic range tests.
Use rigid-body and aerodynamic models in data reduction techniques to extract aerodynamic coefficients from test data.
Compare results with CFD data and other data reduction techniques.
Develop and compile a final report in the form of a manuscript suitable for journal submission.
Present results in PowerPoint format to a team of engineers at AMA/NASA Langley Research Center.
Required Qualifications:
Currently pursuing a degree (B.S, M.S or PhD) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Strong understanding of aerodynamics principles and theories for blunt bodies.
Strong understanding of flight mechanics principles and rigid body dynamics.
Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Familiarity with Entry Descent and Landing (EDL) applications.
This position requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency due to facility 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 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.
Salary : $24 - $34
