Post Bachelors Intern, ngGONG

AURA; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Collaborative research environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

AURA, in partnership with NSO, seeks a Mechanical Engineering Post-Bachelor's Intern to support the ngGONG project at its Boulder headquarters. You’ll help design, prototype, and document systems for a network of solar observations while gaining hands-on experience in a research environment.

You will work with ngGONG scientists and engineers, participate in meetings, and develop documentation and presentations.

Qualifications

• Must have an engineering B.S. degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with requirements in an engineering setting.
• Familiarity with reading and summarizing professional publications.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, prototyping, evaluation, and development of data acquisition, optical, computer, and/or mechanical systems for a future network of solar observations.
• Document technical evaluations: record evaluation processes, methods, results, and outcomes to support engineering activities and project documentation.
• Communicate project progress: prepare and deliver presentations at internal meetings to share progress, technical findings, and conclusions related to assigned tasks.
• Collaborate with project teams: participate in project meetings to learn about the broader scope of ngGONG and its scientific and engineering focus areas.
• Participate in professional development: engage in classes, mentoring sessions, and other professional development opportunities, either virtually or in person.
• Maintain organizational accountability: support proper management and control of AURA property within your work area.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Publications reading

Education

Engineering Bachelor's degree

Tools

3D CAD modeling

Block diagrams

Job description

Are you an engineering graduate eager to apply your technical skills to meaningful scientific research? Join the National Solar Observatory (NSO) and gain hands‑on experience contributing to the next generation of solar observing technology.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, NSO is a National Science Foundation (NSF) national research and development center dedicated to advancing our understanding of the Sun and its influence on Earth and the solar system. Managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), NSO operates and supports world‑class solar telescopes and scientific facilities that enable cutting‑edge research in solar physics and heliophysics.

We are seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineering Post‑Bachelor's Intern to support the Next‑Generation Ground‑Based Solar Observing Network (ngGONG) , an international initiative currently in the design phase. This project will modernize NSO's global network of solar observing stations, enabling continuous, high‑quality solar observations that advance solar physics research and our understanding of space weather.

During this eight‑month internship, you'll work closely with ngGONG scientists, engineers, and administrators to support the design, prototyping, development, and documentation of systems that will be essential to the new solar observing network. This hands‑on learning opportunity is designed to help engineering graduates develop practical experience while preparing for future educational or professional opportunities in a related field.

What You'll Do

• Support the design, prototyping, evaluation, and development of data acquisition, optical, computer, and/or mechanical systems for a future network of solar observations.


• Document technical evaluations: Record evaluation processes, methods, results, and outcomes to support engineering activities and project documentation.


• Communicate project progress: Prepare and deliver presentations at internal meetings to share progress, technical findings, and conclusions related to assigned tasks.


• Collaborate with project teams: Participate in project meetings to learn about the broader scope of ngGONG and its scientific and engineering focus areas.


• Participate in professional development: Engage in classes, mentoring sessions, and other professional development opportunities, either virtually or in person.


• Maintain organizational accountability: Support the proper management and control of AURA property within your work area, including reporting missing, stolen, or non‑working property to the appropriate personnel.


• Ensure compliance: Follow applicable government award terms and conditions assigned to the position.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Must have an engineering B.S. degree from an accredited college or university.


• Experience with requirements in an engineering setting.


• Familiarity with reading and summarizing professional publications.


• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.


• Availability to work on‑site at NSO Headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, if needed during the internship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Mechanical or General Engineering.


• Experience with 3D CAD modeling.


• Experience with creating block diagrams.

What We Offer

Compensation: $25.00–$28.00 per hour, depending on skills, qualifications, and experience.

As an AURA employee, you'll have access to a benefits package that includes:

• Paid time off.


• A collaborative work environment supporting scientific research and innovation.


• Opportunities to participate in professional development, including classes and mentoring.

About AURA

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 U.S. institutions and three international affiliates committed to advancing astronomical discovery. AURA manages world‑class observatories for the National Science Foundation, providing scientific leadership, operational excellence, and collaborative research environments that support groundbreaking discoveries.

This position will remain open until filled. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process may request support here .

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.