In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) Intern

This project is a full-time on-site internship working on the development of in-space manufacturing technologies for the sustainment of human presence on the lunar surface and preparation for crewed Mars exploration. Preferred candidates are undergraduate sophomores through graduate master’s students, familiar with various manufacturing techniques and the challenges of the space environment, who are comfortable in both laboratory and office environments.

Project Description:
After Artemis III returns Americans to the Moon, NASA’s intent is to stay, developing a sustained presence in support of exploration, science, and as a beachhead for the nascent cislunar economy. Supporting equipment and people in the harsh lunar environment is no easy task, and the cost of resupply to the lunar surface is extreme. Methods of sourcing materials from lunar feedstocks, manufacturing, constructing, outfitting, repairing, and recycling are needed to maximize the effectiveness of any and all “up-mass” delivered from Earth.
This project seeks to develop those techniques in concert with methods for verification, validation, and certification for crew use. Day-to-day work will consist of a mix of reviewing and reporting of the current-state and future potential of various candidate methods of manufacture and certification, as well as hands-on investigation and lab-scale replication and development of these methods. Development will be based on internal NASA findings and available industry feedback and ongoing partnerships. Attention will also be given to how current NASA standards could be tailored and/or modified to better allow the use of materials and equipment manufactured, constructed, and repaired in space while ensuring crew safety.

• Meeting frequency/team dynamics: Daily tag-ups with the mentor and weekly tag-ups with the full team are expected. Interaction across several working teams and laboratory settings is likely. Communication with NASA partners in industry and academia, contractors, and other government agencies is also likely. Work will be 100% onsite.
• Working hours: Full-time interns (40h/week) are expected to complete working hours during the center’s core work hours of M-F 8AM-5PM CDT.

SKILLS:
• Computer/Software skills: Microsoft Office/365, Python, C++, ROS, MATLAB, LabView, Creo, Windchill, SolidWorks all desired but not required
• Scientific/Technical skills:
o Knowledge in at least one general area of metallic, ceramic, electronics, composite, or polymer manufacture.
o Ability to work in a laboratory environment, including standing for long periods, repeated heavy (up to 45 lbs.) lifting, wearing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling potentially hazardous chemicals and materials
o Experience with manufacturing and processing equipment such as vacuum chambers, furnaces, ovens, lasers, grinders, extruders, vibratory conveyers, robotics/mechatronics, 3D printers, etc., desired but not required
o Experience with diagnostic techniques and equipment such as high-speed cameras, thermography, spectroscopy, pyrometry, microscopy, XRD, SEM, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, etc. desired but not required
• Soft Skills: Teamwork, ability to self-start, natural curiosity, willingness for hands-on-work, and an open mind for new ideas and methods

**Eligible Applicants:** Student
**Academic Level:** Undergraduate Junior, Undergraduate Senior, Graduate Master's
**Activity Type:** In-person
**Citizenship:** US Citizen Only
**Type:** Internships