Aerospace Engineer Intern, Astrodynamics

About NRL 

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Naval Center for Space Technology (NCST) has been a leader in spacecraft technology launching over 100 satellites from America’s 2nd satellite, Vanguard 1 in 1958, through other notable achievements such as the first Global Positioning (GPS) Technology Satellites. NCST is currently a leader in spacecraft servicing and robotics.

NCST’s Mathematics & Orbit Dynamics Section is actively looking for aerospace engineering, mathematics, and/or physics majors with experience with analysis and design of elements of spacecraft conceptual missions, orbit determination, and orbital flight operations through the development and use of astrodynamics and a desire to learn more about orbital mechanics and advanced computational methods. NRL offers a “hands-on” intensive work environment, where engineers work side by side with experts in other fields to tackle real-world problems.

What You Will Do

Modeling and simulation of astrodynamics in support of NRL customers, ranging from basic research to supporting satellites on-orbit. Applicants will work alongside aerospace engineers and physicists to tackle unique and challenging questions in the space domain. Applicants should expect to combine knowledge of engineering, mathematics, and software development to produce presentations to share findings with both technical and potentially non-technical teams. The work ranges from orbital mechanics and astrodynamics to spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control.

Required Qualifications

• All candidates must be US Citizens (dual citizenship is not allowed)
• Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance 
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in STEM courses and/or in-major is required. 
• Education: Actively working towards a Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS) or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
• A desire to define, research, and address critical national security issues
• Experience with modeling, simulation, and analysis of space systems and trajectories.
• Background in numerical methods, computational physics, and complex algorithm development.
• Experience with relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, Java, Julia, C, MATLAB) and computational tools.

Preferred Skills

• Theoretical and applied understanding of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and space navigation principles.
• A proven track record of academic or professional research and publication.
• Experience in software development with the ability to translate advanced mathematical and physical models into robust, efficient code.