Applications Open: High-Speed Inlet Design & CFD Internship at NASA Glenn Research Center (Summer 2026)

NASA's Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio, is hiring for a highly specialized engineering internship funded by the Joint Hypersonics Transition Office. This is a premier opportunity for students passionate about high-speed aerodynamics and propulsion.

This internship focuses on the Design and Analysis of High-speed Inlets. You will be working at the intersection of traditional aerodynamics and modern computational methods, helping to speed up the design cycle for the next generation of hypersonic vehicles.

Detailed Role & Key Responsibilities

As an intern, you will work with a mentor to develop and optimize a design-and-analysis workflow using Python. The goal is to integrate NASA's in-house design tools with powerful analysis software to create a faster, more efficient loop.

1. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

You will gain hands-on experience with high-fidelity simulations.

• Mesh Generation: Generate computational meshes for complex inlet geometries.
• Supercomputing: Execute simulations on NASA’s Advanced Supercomputing cluster.
• Post-Processing: Visualize and analyze the data generated from these massive simulations.

2. Workflow & Automation

You will modernize how NASA designs engines.

• Python Programming: Develop scripts to automate the connection between design tools and analysis tools.
• AI Exploration: Depending on your level, you may explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to improve model development.
• Database: Plan and execute a simulation database for future reference.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

This role is targeted at upper-level students with strong engineering fundamentals.

1. Academic Status

• Level: Open to Undergraduate Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate (Master's) students.
• Majors: Strictly Aerospace, Aeronautical, Astronautical, or Mechanical Engineering.

2. Citizenship (Strict)

• US Citizens Only: Due to the sensitive nature of hypersonic research, this position is open to U.S. Citizens only.

3. Technical Interests

• Strong interest in CFD, Propulsion, and Python scripting.

Key Dates & Logistics

• Registration Opens: December 15, 2025
• Registration Closes: February 27, 2026
• Session: Summer 2026 (Full-time)
• Format: In-person at Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, OH).

How to Apply

To apply, you must use the NASA STEM Gateway. You will need to create a profile and search for the specific opportunity ID.

Step 1: Go to the NASA STEM Gateway.
Step 2: Search for Opportunity ID: 023501.
Step 3: Submit your application before Feb 27, 2026.

Apply Here (Direct Link)