Aerodynamic Separation Experimentalist - Intern

Interest in hands-on laboratory or test-facility work; any exposure to fluid mechanics, high-speed flows, or vacuum/pressure systems is a plus.

Strong attention to detail in following experimental procedures, safety protocols, and data-collection instructions.

Willingness to work safely around hazardous materials and equipment and to complete radiation safety and regulatory compliance training.

Basic familiarity with high-vacuum or high-pressure gas systems, high-temperature components, or cryogenic systems through coursework or lab experience is a plus, but not required.

Ability to produce clear experimental records (logs, checklists, basic data summaries) and communicate findings to senior technical staff.

Interest in high-speed aerodynamics experimental systems, such as supersonic injectors, vortex flow generation, shock control, and flow diagnostics (e.g., Schlieren or shadowgraph imaging, high-speed data acquisition).

Basic proficiency with analysis tools (e.g., Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar) for data processing; willingness to learn additional tools and workflows as needed.

Strong analytical mindset, problem-solving attitude, and communication skills, with the ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or another relevant discipline with exposure to fluid mechanics and/or high-speed aerodynamics; or 

Enrolment in an associate’s degree or technical diploma program in a relevant field with laboratory/test experience; or

Equivalent hands-on experience in experimental test facilities, vacuum systems, or similar technical environments (e.g., undergraduate research labs, maker spaces) is a plus.

0–1+ years of experience in laboratory or test-facility environments (course labs, research groups, or internships), ideally involving fluid mechanics, high-speed aerodynamics, or vacuum/pressure systems.

Desirable but not essential experience helping to set up and run experiments or tests from defined procedures, including instrumentation, data acquisition, and basic troubleshooting.

Any exposure to supersonic injections, vortex flows, shock-dominated flows, or high- and/or low-pressure rigs is a plus but not required.

Ability to work safely, follow detailed procedures, and contribute to continuous improvement of experimental setups and workflows (e.g., through class projects or lab work).

Support aerodynamic separation experiments in high- and low-pressure ASP rigs by following defined test plans to help improve isotope separation performance, yield, and process stability.

Assist with operating high-speed flow hardware, vacuum/pressure systems, and associated high-temperature or cryogenic equipment in a safe and controlled manner (with training and supervision).

Follow nuclear safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality control protocols, including procedures for handling radioactive materials and waste recycling processes including required training related to nuclear safety and hazardous materials

Help set up experimental hardware, instrumentation, and data-acquisition systems in collaboration with senior experimentalists and CFD/simulation engineers.

Assist in implementing experimental methodologies and basic control strategies (flow, rig, and process control) for ASP configurations, supersonic injections, vortex flows, and shock interactions.

Help maintain experimental procedures and documentation by completing test checklists, run logs, safety forms, and post-test summaries as directed.

Support diagnostics activities such as pressure/temperature/flow measurements, basic Schlieren or other flow-visualization setups, troubleshooting, and routine rig maintenance.

Help prepare experimental data, observations, and test notes that feed into system design decisions, risk assessments, and readiness for pilot and commercial deployment.

Contribute to clear technical notes, test summaries, and simple presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory documentation, as required with guidance from senior team members

Perform other related tasks as assigned to support laboratory operations and learning objectives