The Systems Analysis Office (Code AA) at NASA Ames Research Center provides end-to-end physics-based and system-integrated analysis studies for aerospace applications to serve next generation questions. Our group provides decision-making analyses for conceptual vehicle and system applications using rapid-turnaround engineering-level physics modeling for sensitivity studies, risk analysis, and multidisciplinary design optimization. Our current activities include arrange of modeling and software tool development efforts to support analyses for low-emissions aircraft concepts, simulations of the National Airspace, and/or urban air mobility (UAM) studies in the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD).

The scope of this task is to provide opportunities to conduct short-term (~10 weeks) work projects of limited scope and duration to support NASA’s aeronautics interests with a focus on developing physics-based analyses for hybrid-electric aircraft concepts and airspace studies.

Some example projects are listed below and will be assigned based on qualifications.

• Assist in building parametric vehicle models including basic tube-and-wing, trussed-braced-wing, and blended wing body vehicles.
• Integrate the use of VSPAero, a vortex lattice based aerodynamic analysis tool, into Ames aircraft synthesis tools through the use of aerodynamic tables.
• Build aircraft weights and sizing models in python based on heritage methods.
• Build aircraft propulsion models in python based on heritage methods.
• Perform vehicle closure, design optimization.

Job Requirements

This is a limited duration “student intern” position during the summer. The most successful candidates will be undergraduate or graduate students in a STEM field of aerospace or mechanical engineering, astrophysics, statistics, or computer science. Comfort working with general software packages, languages, libraries such as, Python, C , SQL, and/or open-source scientific modules in Python, is required. Familiarity with software development in a Windows or Linux operating system, Git version control, and numerical methods (e.g. solving ODEs, optimization, signal processing, controls) is a plus. Previous experience in NASA projects and programs is not necessary.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person