Mechanical Engineer Intern
Virginia Spaceport Authority Internship Program gives students the chance to apply their education to real-world challenges through meaningful, hands-on projects. Top candidates are well-rounded students from a variety of backgrounds who demonstrate inquisitiveness, team-orientation, excellence, and resilience. At the time you apply for this announcement, you must be a degree seeking student who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited educational institution on at least a half-time basis.
General Description: This position supports the overall technical direction and design of systems at all MARS facilities.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Assist in designs and system reviews to verify systems are designed in accordance with national codes and standards, as well as verifying the system performance is optimal for requested need.
- Assist in requirements development with customers to verify requests are within available system operating parameters with proper margins.
- Work with Operations and Maintenance Team to perform system activation, initial data analysis, system fine tuning, andassistin root cause analysis for non-conformances.
- Develop and review 3D models and analysis to verify system design is adequate and proper for operating conditions and customer requirements.
- Develop and review 3D models and drawing packages to verify system design is adequate and proper for operating conditions.
- Assists in task requirement development and task plans that include budget/cost estimates, schedule, and performance criteria, while maintaining compliance with all Management, Quality, and Safety Policies.
- Develops engineering documentation (3D models and drawing packages), technical calculations, and design review packages.
- Participates in field inspections and reviews to assess conformance with design and operational requirements.
- Performs field walkdowns to verify model dimensions are in alignment with equipment on the facilities.
- Independently think and develop solutions for issues associated with engineered systems.
- Other duties as assigned.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
General Education
College: Bachelor's Degree (Rising Senior Preferred)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Job-Related Experience: N/A
Certifications: N/A
Licenses, etc.: Valid driver's license is necessary while operating a vehicle while on agency business. Must be able to transport themselves to MARS and its facilities (located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore near Wallops Island, VA).
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of mechanical engineering basics, 3D modeling, and a strong willingness to learn complex mechanical and fluidic systems. Familiar with basics of system design, construction, activation, and operation. Hands-on experience with mechanical system modeling and builds from either hobbies or educational labs is preferred.
Skills:
- 3D Modeling in Solidworks or comparable software.
- Thermal analysis calculation experience.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Organization and attention to detail.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office or related programs.
- SharePoint experience preferred.
Abilities:
- Time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrates high professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
Physical Demands: Work is light requiring lifting of computer equipment and involves typical office behaviors. Some travel is required to other counties.
Work Environment: Work is performed in a typical office setting and may involve site walkdowns for equipment inspection around gravel, stairs, and ladders if able but not required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for issuance of a NASA credential.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.
Skills Required
- Must be a degree-seeking student enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in an accredited educational institution
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Rising senior status
- Valid driver's license when operating a vehicle on agency business
- Must be able to transport themselves to MARS and its facilities near Wallops Island, Virginia
- Understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, 3D modeling, and mechanical and fluidic systems
- Familiarity with system design, construction, activation, and operation
- Hands-on mechanical system modeling or building experience through hobbies or educational labs
- 3D modeling experience using SolidWorks or comparable software
- Thermal analysis calculation experience
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Organization and attention to detail
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or related programs
- SharePoint experience
- Ability to manage time and meet deadlines
- Ability to obtain and maintain eligibility for a NASA credential
- Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug test
What We Do
Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (doing business as Virginia Spaceport Authority) owns and operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. It provides FAA-licensed orbital launch access and supporting infrastructure, including launch-pad operations, payload processing, rocket integration, range and safety services, and mission support. It also operates unmanned-aircraft airfield services and supports aerospace development for government and commercial customers.
