Applied Formal Methods for Detect-And-Avoid in Space Operations Intern

Analytical Mechanics Associates•Hampton, VA

3d•$23 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is currently accepting applications for a motivated intern to support research and prototyping activities related to the application of the DAIDALUS framework to space operations. This internship is conducted in close collaboration with NASA Langley Research Center and focuses on adapting and assessing formally grounded detect and avoid concepts for emerging space use cases. The intern will contribute to exploratory research on the use of DAIDALUS for space scenarios such as spacecraft proximity operations, conjunction management in orbital environments, autonomous collision avoidance for space vehicles, and safety assurance for future space traffic management concepts. These efforts emphasize mathematically rigorous reasoning, formal specification, and early-stage verification of algorithms intended for safety critical space systems. This internship includes applied research using formal methods tools and workflows commonly employed by the NASA Formal Methods community. Activities may include developing simplified models of space scenarios, exploring formal assumptions underlying DAIDALUS logic, evaluating algorithmic behavior under representative conditions, and supporting research prototypes used for concept feasibility studies. AMA is seeking applicants who are technically curious, organized, and comfortable working at the intersection of theory and applied engineering. The intern will work collaboratively with NASA researchers and AMA engineers, participate in regular technical discussions, and contribute to ongoing investigations related to space safety. Applicants should be a senior undergraduate or a graduate student. This internship is for Summer 2026, for a 10- week period beginning on Monday, June 1, 2026. On site work at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia is requested for candidates who meet facility access requirements of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency. For candidates authorized to work in the U.S. who do not meet facility access requirements, remote participation may be considered. Pay for this position is $23.10 to $33.85 per hour depending on education and location.

Requirements

Completion of at least three years of an undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
Some prior exposure to formal methods, formal verification, or mathematically rigorous reasoning techniques through coursework, research projects, or independent study.
Programming experience in at least one technical language such as Python, C++, Java, or similar.
Strong technical communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly in writing and discussion.
A self-starter attitude and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively on open ended research tasks.
Authorization to work in the U.S. is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience or coursework related to space systems, orbital mechanics, autonomy, or aerospace safety.
Familiarity with formal methods tools such as PVS or other theorem provers, model checkers, or static analysis frameworks.
Graduate level coursework or research experience in formal methods, logic, algorithms, or software assurance.
Prior research output such as a project report, published paper, or conference presentation.

Responsibilities

Assist AMA and NASA research staff with applied research on DAIDALUS concepts tailored to space operations.
Support the specification and analysis of safety properties for space related detect and avoid scenarios.
Contribute to modeling and reasoning tasks using formal or semi formal methods to assess algorithm behavior.
Help develop and evaluate research prototypes or experimental workflows related to DAIDALUS in space contexts.
Participate in regular technical meetings and communicate findings to a multidisciplinary research team.