Spacecraft Design & Operations Internship

UNSW Sydney

Overview

The internship opportunities will enable working closely with the Engineering Team at Space Machines Company (SMC) to help make Roadside Assistance in Space a reality. This will involve participation in the design and building of SMC’s Orbital Servicing Vehicles (OSVs). The key sub systems SMC is targeting are as follows:

propulsion (relevant for mechanical/ aerospace/aeronautical engineering students)
electronics (relevant for electrical engineering students).

During the internship, you will work on a particular project while undergoing guidance and support from SMC’s expert team and to learn from the best in the industry. Specific projects will be defined depending on your experience, though they will likely fall into the following areas:

Design and development of sophisticated flight software capable of managing all aspects of spacecraft operations from navigation and control to data management and payload operations
Design and development of in spacecraft communications to ensure integrity and reliability of data exchange in orbital servicing operations
Design and development of propulsion system, considering design constraints such as low temperature in operation, additive manufacturing compatibility, and spacecraft integration.

Planning of spacecraft operations on orbit, using advanced trajectory design methodologies and concepts of operations (ConOps) that ensure optimal flight paths and efficient mission execution, considering factors such as orbital mechanics, fuel efficiency, and specific mission objectives.
You will be supported through an employment contract at a rate of $1,200 per week (pro-rata). This paid internship opportunity is made possible through a co-funded arrangement between Defence Trailblazer and the respective industry partner hosting the student.

Internship activities are likely to include:

analysis and modelling of technical problems
documenting recommendations based on that analysis
communicating recommendations verbally to help inform decision making.

Eligibility Criteria

Penultimate and final year students currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Students with experience in the space sector, or in manufacturing are preferred, though this is not essential
Australia Citizens able to secure National Security Clearance.

Additional Information

The internship is anticipated to commence in September and will be for 60 days, which can either be part time (2-3 days per week) or full time.

At the conclusion of the internship, further opportunities may be available for suitable candidates.

Application Dates

Application Start Date: 12 August 2024
Application Close Date: 26 August 2024

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

To apply, please complete an online EOI form and have the following documents handy:

Resume
Cover Letter (of not more than 1 page) addressing the essential criteria and relevant skills and experience
Transcript

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with Space Machines Company.

If you have any follow up queries or require any other information prior to submitting your application, please contact Saba Ashraf, WIL Program Coordinator at workforce@dtb.solutions and we will be happy to assist you.

ABOUT SPACE MACHINES COMPANY

Space Machines Company (SMC) is a pioneering on-orbit servicing provider, offering “Roadside Assistance, In Space” for commercial and government customers. With a fleet of versatile Optimus Orbital Servicing Vehicles (OSVs), SMC delivers essential services such as on-orbit inspection, monitoring, refuelling, debris management, and satellite life extension. By focusing on space safety and sustainability, SMC is revolutionising the way human presence in space is maintained and supported.