Job Description:

Position Overview

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking three highly motivated and detail-oriented Experimental Materials Interns for Summer 2026. These positions support NASA under the Aircraft Systems and Spaceflight Engineering Support Services (ASSESS) contract at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) in Moffett Field, CA. Interns will work on-site within the Thermal Protection Materials (TSM) Branch, part of the Entry Systems and Technology Division at NASA ARC.

Each selected candidate will participate in a 10‑week, primarily hands-on research project from June 1 to August 7, 2026, contributing directly to materials research relevant to NASA’s thermal protection systems.

Summer 2026 Research Project Opportunities

Applicants will be considered for one or more of the following projects. Candidates should indicate their preferred project(s) during the application process.

• Improvements in Catalycity, Compliance, and Manufacturability of Thermal Coatings for Hypersonic Vehicles (Export controlled, open to US citizens and permanent residents only)

The TSM Branch has developed MERINO‑R, a new reusable oxide‑blanket thermal protection system designed to meet emerging needs for low‑cost, rapidly producible, and environmentally friendly TPS (Thermal Protection Systems) solutions for hypersonic and commercial space vehicles. Completing this system requires developing a flexible, low‑catalycity coating capable of enduring repeated exposure to extreme temperatures. Work will involve designing, fabricating, applying, and documenting coating integration processes for MERINO‑R substrates.

• Calibration Drift in Thermal Sensing Elements in Hypersonic Entry Environments

Hypersonic flight environments expose materials to extreme temperatures, pressures, and chemically nonequilibrium flows, all of which can alter the behavior of commonly used thermocouples. This project examines the material and chemical microstructure of hypersonic‑grade thermocouples to understand how harsh environments influence stability and calibration. Methods include microscopy, SEM analysis, and calibration testing to characterize material changes and identify mechanisms of calibration drift.

• ARCTRON Diagnostics and Automation

The intern will support various diagnostic and automation tasks at the ARCTRON facility, which features a multi-gas, multi-heat source plasma chamber used for high-temperature catalycity measurements, model validation, and TPS material down-selection. Responsibilities include laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), laser absorption spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, embedded thermocouples, pressure sensors, digital control of optical stages, cameras, sting arms, power supplies, and temperature and pressure interlocks.

Position Details

• Duration: 10 weeks (June 1 – August 7, 2026)

• Location: NASA Ames Research Center (on-site attendance required)

• Compensation: $29.50/hr – $33.50/hr, commensurate with education level

• Number of Positions: 3

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary depending on the assigned project, and may include:

• Materials processing and fabrication

• Materials characterization (microstructural, optical, thermal, and mechanical)

• Conducting focused research over the 10‑week internship period

• Regular verbal and written progress updates to a research mentor

• Preparing and delivering a final presentation to the division at the conclusion of the project

Desired Skills

• Experience with materials characterization methods such as SEM, optical microscopy, XRD, and/or mechanical testing

• Sample preparation for cross‑sectional microscopy and powder/fibrous materials

• Knowledge of ceramic, porous, or insulating material structure–processing relationships

• Familiarity with plasma facilities and optical diagnostics, especially emission spectroscopy

• Familiarity with machining tools and techniques

• Experience with materials testing in extreme-environment conditions

• Understanding of standard laboratory procedures and safety practices

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred; upper‑division B.S. students considered)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• For some positions: ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs

• Ability to work on-site at NASA Ames Research Center for the full internship duration

• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States (e.g., F-1 visa holders eligible; no visa sponsorship available)

• Applicants must not be citizens or birth nationals of countries on NASA’s designated country list

• Some projects might require U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (due to export control 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.