Group 74--Summer Research Program (Aerospace Materials for 3D Printing)

 

The Structural & Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group provides innovative multidisciplinary engineering solutions for aerospace, ground, and underwater systems in support of science and national security missions. Examples include structures for space telescopes and laser communication terminals, thermal management for high energy laser systems and RF devices, and aerodynamic designs for airborne sensors, hypersonic platforms, and UAVs. To meet continuously increasing performance, size, weight, and survivabilty requirements, concepts and designs are developed with high-fidelity models, multidisciplinary simulations, environmental testing, and advanced materials.

Job Description

 

Summer Research Assistant (Undergraduate or Graduate Student)

 

MIT LL aerospace prototypes operate in a variety of challenging environments, ranging from extreme and variable temperatures to high shock and vibration loads during launch. In support of these missions, we are developing high-performance aerospace metals that can be processed by 3D printing so that materials with high stiffness, strength, and thermal stability can be used in components requiring complex shapes and short lead times.

You will join a research program working to invent metal matrix composites and refractory alloys for 3D printing by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The project entails AI-accelerated computational materials design (Thermo-Calc/CALPHAD), fabrication of feedstock powders, laser consolidation of these powders with LPBF, and characterization of both powders and printed materials with microscopy, mechanical testing, and other methods.

 

Requirements:

 

• Presently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, with a major in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics
• Classes in materials science and solid mechanics
• Strong interest in conducting hands-on experimental materials research
• Experience with metallography, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, mechanical testing, or other materials characterization would be very helpful, but we will train highly motivated and qualified students
• Experience with MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, LaTeX, Thermo-Calc, machine learning algorithms, or similar programming
• Cover letter
• Start date: May/June 2024

 

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

 

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

 

Requisition ID: 41027 #CJ