Overview:

The Year-Round Internship Program at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory offers research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students whose colleges and universities allow them to pursue off-campus independent study during terms or semesters of the academic year as well as summers. JPL has identified the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics areas that are essential for the laboratory's continuing contribution to NASA's future success and for which its leadership is key. The topical areas are provided below. 

*Note: the length of a student's first experience at JPL must be 10 weeks or more. There are full-time and part-time opportunities available.

How to Apply:

Interested students should submit a current resume and unofficial transcript to education@jpl.nasa.gov. The subject line of the e-mail must contain the number and topic of interest from the below list. Resumes will be submitted for consideration to managers requesting students. There are paid full-time and part-time internship opportunities available.

1. Solar System Science
   Planetary Atmospheres and Geology
   Solar System characteristics and origin of life
   Primitive solar systems bodies
   Lunar science
   Preparing for returned sample investigations


2. Earth Science
   Atmospheric composition and dynamics
   Land and solid earth processes
   Water and carbon cycles
   Ocean and ice
   Earth analogs to planets
   Climate Science


3. Astronomy and Fundamental Physics
   Origin, evolution, and structure of the universe
   Gravitational astrophysics and fundamental physics
   Extra-solar planets and star and planetary formation
   Solar and Space Physics
   Formation and evolution of galaxies


4. In-Space Propulsion Technologies
   Chemical propulsion
   Non-chemical propulsion
   Advanced propulsion technologies
   Supporting technologies


5. Space Power and Energy Storage
   Power generation
   Energy storage
   Power management & distribution
   Cross-cutting technologies


6. Robotics, Tele-Robotics and Autonomous Systems
   Sensing
   Mobility
   Manipulation technology
   Human-systems interfaces
   Autonomy
   Autonomous rendezvous & docking
   Systems engineering


7. Communication and Navigation
   Optical communications & navigation technology
   Radio frequency communications
   Internetworking
   Position, navigation and timing
   Integrated technologies
   Revolutionary concepts


8. Human Exploration Destination Systems
   In-situ resource utilization and Cross-cutting systems


9. Science Instruments, Observatories and Sensor Systems
   Science Mission Directorate Technology Needs
   Remote Sensing instruments/sensors
   Observatory technology
   In-situ instruments/sensor technologies


10. Entry, Descent and Landing Systems
    Aerobraking, aerocapture, and entry systems
    Descent
    Landing
    Vehicle system technology


11. Nanotechnology
    Engineered materials
    Energy generation and storage
    Propulsion
    Electronics, devices and sensors


12. Modeling, Simulation, Information Technology and Processing
    Flight and ground computing
    Modeling
    Simulation
    Information processing


13. Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems and Manufacturing
    Materials
    Structures
    Mechanical systems
    Cross cutting


14. Thermal Management Systems
    Cryogenic systems
    Thermal control systems (near room temperature)
    Thermal protection systems