Collaborative Hypersonic And Missile Defense Research Internship

How to Apply

Click on the Apply button at the bottom of the opportunity listing to start your application.

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is offering internships in Collaborative Hypersonic and Missile Defense Research at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Interns will work with AFIT Graduate School of Engineering and Management Faculty in hypersonic vehicle development, modeling, simulation, and physical experiments.

• Participate in the configuration of new geometries in CAD and model the vehicle response to aerodynamic, structural, and thermal loading conditions.
• Use computer packages such as ABAQUS, NASTRAN, CAPS, MATLAB, DAKOTA, CFL3D, FUN3D, and others for data generation, post‑processing, and response interpretation.
• Perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to determine aerodynamic pressures.
• Compute stresses, deflections, and buckling resistance to assess vehicle sustainability.
• Analyze thermal, structural, and aerodynamic performance under extreme operating conditions.
• Define uncertainties in mission, geometry, and material variability.
• Develop optimized vehicle configurations for shape, size, and topology within a multidisciplinary optimization environment.
• Consider manufacturability issues for high‑temperature materials.
• Conduct wind‑tunnel experiments at representative Mach numbers and maneuver conditions to validate prototypes.
• Document findings and present research to DoD scientists and engineers.

Dayton, Ohio

Interviews and selections occur on a rolling basis. Exact start dates will be coordinated with the selected candidate.

Twelve‑month research appointment, possible renewal for additional periods depending on funding, project assignment, and program rules.

• Stipend determined by AFIT, based on academic standing, discipline, experience, and location.
• Health Insurance Supplement – eligible to purchase insurance through ORISE.
• Relocation Allowance.
• Training and Travel Allowance.

Applicants must hold or be currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in a STEM field.

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay questions covering goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts – upload a copy of the transcript for the current or most recent degree program that satisfies disciplinary qualifications
• One recommendation – a referee will rate scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe the relationship to you

Leslie (email: AIRFORCEu.gov, reference code AFIT-)