Intern - Atmospheric Modeling

As an Amentum Space Exploration Division (ASED) intern, you will work alongside engineers and scientists on hardware development, payload integration & operations, laboratory & test operations, modeling & simulation, space environments, scientific research and propulsion systems for programs like Human Landing Systems, Space Launch Systems and the International Space Station!

As an Atmospheric Modeling Intern, the candidate will be assisting in upgrading and validating atmospheric data attributes of the Earth Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Earth-GRAM), which has been established by the Terrestrial and Planetary Environments (T&PE) Team of the Natural Environments Branch, located at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The development/deployment platforms are Windows, Mac, and Linux-based and the programming languages involved are Python and/or Matlab. An important part of the T&PE’s mission is to provide robust characterizations of terrestrial environment parameters within Earth-GRAM for the design and operation of space vehicles. In addition, the T&PE Team is looking to update existing atmospheric boundary layer and middle atmosphere input data sources. Therefore, the candidate will help develop prototype Earth-GRAM atmospheric data definitions and perform validation analyses of Earth-GRAM output as needed.

It is expected that the candidate would provide 400 hours of support. Flexibility exists in determining the number of work hours per week.

Duties will include the following:

• Support development of prototype mean wind profile for defining boundary layer horizontal winds.

• Test prototype in Earth-GRAM by adding Monte Carlo dispersions to mean horizontal wind profile.

• Perform validation of prototype via comparison of boundary layer measurement sources at Cape Canaveral, FL.

• Perform testing and validation of improvement in middle atmosphere through use of updated Naval Research Lab Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter (NRLMSIS2.1) below 90 km.

• Presenting results to the NASA customer, as required.

Expectations included in the ASED Internship:

• You are expected to have a valid driver’s license, have access to an automobile, and be able to drive yourself to work locations.

• You will be expected to attend MSFC facility scheduled tours, Technical Fellow talks, luncheons, and training sessions in addition to your work.

• We highly encourage you to participate in activities outside of work with your fellow interns. These activities will be scheduled, with your input, by your social coordinators and will be beneficial in forming a cohesive group and lasting friendships.

Qualifications:

A BS degree in Atmospheric Science or related field and pursuing a graduate degree is required. Degree from an ABET accredited institution is preferred. Must be able to provide own transportation.

Must have experience with:

• Scientific programming in Python or Matlab.

• Visualizing and testing output from atmospheric databases (e.g., reanalyses, soundings, etc.).

• Accessing data stored remotely via APIs, virtual machines, and multiple data servers.

The successful candidate also must:

• Exhibit strong technical writing and presentation skills to present data to internal and external customers.

• Have strong customer relations skills.

• Possess the ability to multi-task and transition between quick turnaround assignments.

• Show initiative and be proactive to make connections and build relationships with key players on the tasks.

• Demonstrate the capability to plan and perform analyses independently and as a team.

It is desired for the candidate to have experience with C++.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Office environment. 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%). Requires travel in the domestic USA (<10%).

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 (10%). Also, requires sitting for extended periods of time at a desk to write reports and perform engineering tasks (40%). Requires ability to use stairs or elevators for access between floors and multiple buildings at NASA and Amentum facilities (10%).

Equipment and Machines

Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telep