Space Nuclear Propulsion Materials Test & Evaluation Intern
Amentum· Defense & Space· Oct 13, 2026 · 15d ago
Huntsville, AL
Hybrid
Internship
Intern
$52K–$79K est.
Job description
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This position has been aligned with Amentum Space Exploration Division. To learn more, click here
Overview:
The Materials Science and Metallurgy Branch (EM31) at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL has an opening for a Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) Materials Test and Evaluation Intern . The SNP Materials Test and Evaluation Intern will support the documentation, analysis, and evaluation of advanced materials used in space nuclear propulsion systems. This role provides a unique opportunity to work alongside engineers and scientists developing cutting-edge tools and data infrastructure for materials research. Interns will have the opportunity to support human spaceflight projects such as the Space Launch System, the Human Lander System, and the Commercial Crew Program. These tasks will give the selected intern an opportunity to experience the full range of opportunities found in the Materials Science and Metallurgy branch . Be a part of our team, as we support the exciting challenge to return mankind back to the Moon and beyond.
Responsibilities:
The Space Nuclear Propulsion Intern will:
Gain fundamental understanding of materials science, aerospace engineering, propulsion technology and contribute to groundbreaking projects.
Assist with data collection, documentation, and interpretation of test results to evaluate material performance under extreme conditions.
Develop and implement data storage structures that promote accessibility, organization, and readability for cross-functional teams.
Lead a specific aspect of an ongoing project (area to be determined based on skills and interests)
Collaborate with materials, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers on research, development, and qualification programs.
Contribute to technical presentations, memos, and process improvement initiatives related to materials characterization and development.
Conduct research, gather technical data, and synthesize findings to inform ongoing design and analysis initiatives.
Help develop reports, technical documentation, and presentations that communicate results to internal stakeholders.
Organize and maintain project files, technical records, and documentation to support traceability and quality.
Work according to standard operating and safety procedures.
Collaborate on a multi-disciplinary team to achieve project success and delivery in a specified timescale.
Perform sample preparation for metallographic or ceramic analysis, including cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching.
Support laboratory testing of materials of interest, including heat treatments and other alloy development techniques.
Assist with data collection, documentation, and interpretation of results to evaluate material microstructure, defects, phase distribution, and performance. Contribute to presentations, technical memos, and process improvement initiatives related to materials characterization and materials development.
Conduct laboratory testing under supervision, or after training with permission, such as: Optical microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS)
Laser confocal microscopy
Hardness testing
Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA)
X-ray diffraction (XRD)
Utilize computers and computer software daily to generate reports, gather data and communicate test results.
Interface with Engineering and Science Services Capabilities Augmentation (ESSCA) engineers, ESSCA technicians, and NASA customers as part of their daily duties.
Qualifications:
BS minimum requirement in Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field from an accredited school of engineering.
A minimum of 0-5 years’ experience.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Must be able to provide own transportation
Desired Experience:
A highly qualified candidate will have experience with the following:
• Minimum GPA requirement 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Completion of courses any/or all of the following: Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanics of Materials, High Temperature Materials, Materials for extreme environments, Nuclear Propulsion, Neutron Science and Reactor Physics, Rocket Propulsion I/II, Compressible Flow, Heat Transfer
• Coding or programming experience (Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, Solid Works. FEA modeling etc.) is a plus but not required.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong interest in materials science, aerospace engineering, or related fields.
Physical Requirements: Requires sitting for extended periods of time in meetings with peers, management, and with our client at NASA facilities to discuss technical issues (20%). Requires sitting at a desk to write reports and perform engineering task activities (20%). Requires walking, standing, lifting, bending in a lab environment with hazards that require wearing safety glasses, hearing protection, foot protection, gloves, and other personal protective equipment to perform some operations (60%). Work will be performed in hybrid format as required at NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center (90%) and employee’s home office (10%).
Work Environment: General office environment (40%), lab environment (60%). Requires ability to provide clear, concise, accurate and timely communication, both verbally and in writing (100%). Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and client (100%). Travel may be necessary, but infrequent (<5%).
Equipment and Machines: Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment (100%). Requires the ability to operate materials processing and test equipment (50%).
Attendance: This is a part-time, hybrid position. Work assignment will be modified based on a normal workday which is from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Attendance and being prompt is important to provide continuous service to the customer; adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences is required. Regular attendance and punctuality are mandatory for meetings and other planned occasions. (100%). Some telework is acceptable as the work permits, but for the most part duties will be on-site.
Other Essential Functions: Ability to verbally, and in writing, communicate work, test status, test results, problems, and proposed actions with engineers, customers, and government representatives. Ability to thoroughly document findings and actions is essential. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.
#ASED #Amentum #SPACE
Compensation Details:
0.01
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
Educational reimbursement
Parental leave
Employee stock purchase plan
Tax-saving options
Disability and life insurance
Pet insurance
Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
10/13/2026 - 11/21/2026 Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters .
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave
Wellness