Aircraft Design Fellow (Summer 2027 Internship)

Location: US NY HQ

Department: Product

Location Type: IN_OFFICE

Employment Type: INTERN

What You'll Do

• Design & Optimize: Utilize nTop to develop a novel UAS configuration, airframe, and component structure tailored to specific mission goals.
• Build & Fly: Bring your digital design into the physical world, leading the construction, assembly, and flight testing of your prototype.
• Be a Thought Leader: Document your entire process to create a comprehensive nTop learning course, generate compelling marketing content, and co-author a publishable research paper.
• Impact the Industry: Your work will directly influence how aerospace companies approach design and manufacturing, showcasing the full potential of nTop.

Fellowship Details

• Duration: 12 Weeks (Summer 2027 - specific dates flexible)
• Location: nTop Headquarters, New York City
• Pay: $20 per hour for 40 hours per week
• Outcomes: A built and flown UAS prototype, a co-authored research publication, a comprehensive learning course, and valuable professional marketing content.

Desired Experience by Role

1. Configurator / Analysis Lead

• Currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of aircraft configuration design, including trade studies and sizing methodologies.
• Proven ability to conduct aircraft performance analysis (e.g., range, endurance, takeoff, landing).
• Strong theoretical background in aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) principles.
• Experience with stability and control analysis for fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft.
• Familiarity with air vehicle mass properties and balance calculation.
• Proficiency with relevant analysis software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, XFLR5, or other industry tools).
• Experience translating mission requirements into a viable preliminary aircraft design.

2. Avionics / Controls Lead

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience building and integrating mechatronic systems (e.g., robotics, autonomous vehicles, or UAS).
• Experience with component specification for UAS, including motors, servos, batteries, and flight controllers.
• Proficiency in programming microcontrollers and/or flight management systems (e.g., ArduPilot, PX4, or similar open-source platforms).
• Strong understanding of control systems theory and implementation (e.g., PID loop tuning).
• Hands-on experience with soldering, wiring harnesses, and electrical layout for compact systems.
• Familiarity with common communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, CAN).

3. Design / Manufacturing Lead

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent).
• Extensive, proven experience in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), including topology optimization, lattice generation, and part consolidation.
• Proficiency in detailed mechanical design and creating engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of material properties (especially polymers and composites) relevant to airframe construction.
• Hands-on experience with Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) processes (e.g., FDM, SLS, SLA) and post-processing techniques.
• Experience with structural analysis and designing components to meet specific load cases.
• Familiarity with traditional manufacturing methods (e.g., composite layup, machining) is a plus.