Mechanical Engineering Summer Internship

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail. 

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces a Mechanical Engineering Summer Internship opportunity in the Engineering Services group at the VLA site located 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. They work four 10-hour days per week with additional time spent commuting on the bus provided by NRAO. The position will span 10-12 weeks, depending on the intern’s summer availability, and be paid $20 per hour. A dorm room at New Mexico Tech in Socorro will also be provided, free of charge, but interns may arrange their own housing.

Job Duties Summary

Some of the typical engineering activities and tasks include: 

• Inspection of building structures, cranes and other equipment as required. 
• Equipment performance improvements and design enhancement projects. 
• Troubleshooting mobile equipment problems to include mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and structural. 
• Using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD to model and draft. 
• Operating and maintaining a 3D printer. 
• Interfacing with technicians, craftsman, scientists, and engineers of various disciplines to solve problems.    
• Developing work instructions & writing reports. 

Work Environment

Assignment will take place in an indoor lab setting and outdoors on the instrument at a high altitude of 7,000 feet. Appropriate safety training and equipment will be provided. 

Position Requirements:

• You are currently enrolled undergraduate student in a bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering degree or closely related field.  
• You have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining before graduation. 
• You have completed 30 semester hours of college credit, including some courses within engineering. 
• You have a current cumulative GPBA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). 
• Hands-on experience with power and hand tools preferred.  

Physical Demands 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, unassisted; climb ladder and stairs up to 100 feet. 

Application Instructions:

Click the “Apply” button below.  To be considered, applicants must provide: 

• Current CV/Resume 
• Unofficial, current transcripts 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20