Test Operations Engineer

Internships are educational hands-on opportunities that provide unique NASA-related research and operational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students (age 16 and up).

To learn more, visit https://intern.nasa.gov.

Join the Systems Test Branch (EC4) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center as a test operations engineer intern, working hands-on with some of the world’s most advanced space environment simulation facilities.

EC4 operates a variety of vacuum and thermal vacuum chambers used to test mission-critical hardware in conditions that simulate space.

Our team supports both NASA programs and commercial partners, enabling testing for everything from astronaut training and suit development to lunar surface systems and satellites.

As an intern, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the success of space environment testing by supporting critical engineering tasks that make testing possible.

Intern projects will vary but may include:

• Designing, analyzing, and fabricating test support hardware, such as heater cages, camera mounts, and lighting systems, to optimize test conditions.
• Working with mechanical systems, including pressure systems, to ensure safe and effective test environments.
• Developing and upgrading chamber subsystems, including power systems, lighting, video capture, chamber components (manlock doors), and data infrastructure to enhance testing capabilities.
• Creating mechanical and electrical drawings using industry-standard tools like Creo, AutoCAD, and Thermal Desktop.
• Collaborating with engineering teams, technicians, and many others to prepare for both current and upcoming test campaigns. We aim to provide a blend of design and hands-on experience, giving interns the opportunity to take a task from concept through build and implementation. Interns are expected to adapt to shifting project needs and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. This is a great opportunity for students who are excited by testing, enjoy problem-solving, and want to contribute directly to work that supports human spaceflight and advanced aerospace systems.