Electric Propulsion — Optical Diagnostics & Test Engineering

TSC•Washington, DC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated Electric Propulsion Intern to support the development, testing, and characterization of advanced electric propulsion systems. This role is ideal for a student with hands-on laboratory experience in high-speed optical diagnostics, cathode systems, vacuum chambers, plasma diagnostics, and propulsion test equipment. The intern will work closely with engineers and researchers to design, operate, and improve experimental test setups for electric propulsion devices, including Hall-effect thrusters, cathodes, plasma sources, and related subsystem hardware.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field.
Hands-on laboratory experience with one or more of the following: Electric propulsion systems, Plasma diagnostics, Cathodes or hollow cathodes, Vacuum chambers, Optical diagnostics, High-speed imaging, Instrumentation or data acquisition.
Familiarity with basic electrical test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators.
Comfortable working in a hands-on lab environment with mechanical, electrical, and vacuum hardware.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow test procedures.
Ability to document work clearly and communicate technical results.

Responsibilities

Support testing and characterization of electric propulsion systems, cathodes, and plasma devices.
Configure and operate diagnostic equipment such as: High-speed cameras, Photodiodes and optical sensors, Spectrometers, Langmuir probes, Oscilloscopes, DAQ systems.
Assist with high-speed optical diagnostics data capture and post-processing.
Collect, process, and analyze experimental data from propulsion and cathode tests.
Build, modify, and troubleshoot laboratory hardware, cables, mounts, sensors, and test fixtures.
Document test configurations, procedures, results, anomalies, and lessons learned.
Collaborate with engineers to improve diagnostic methods, test repeatability, and data quality.