About this role
Background:
This project aims to develop a radiation-tolerant laptop for astronauts using the open-source Framework Laptop platform. Interns will design, fabricate, and test a new mainboard for the Framework Laptop 16, integrating NASA and Microchip's High Performance Spaceflight Computing (HPSC) processor. The HPSC processor is radiation-hardened, energy-efficient, and designed to support advanced space missions by delivering enhanced computational performance, scalability, and reliability in harsh space environments.
The open-source Framework Laptop provides a flexible hardware and software platform for this ambitious project. Interns will tackle real-world engineering challenges while contributing to the development of a cutting-edge solution for future space exploration.
Ideal Candidate Skills:
Technical Skills:
- Basic understanding of hardware design and development.
- Familiarity with electronic circuit design and fabrication.
- Experience with or willingness to learn ECAD software, such as Altium.
- Knowledge of computer architecture or embedded systems is a plus.
Communication Skills:
- Ability to document and present technical findings effectively.
- Collaboration and teamwork skills for working in a multidisciplinary environment.
Nontechnical Skills:
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Eagerness to learn and engage with complex engineering challenges.
- Self-motivation and initiative to enhance skills and contribute to the project.
Learning and Goals Statement:
Interns will gain hands-on experience in designing, fabricating, and testing a radiation-tolerant mainboard for a laptop using advanced spaceflight computing technology. They will develop skills in hardware design, electronic circuit fabrication, and system testing, while learning to work with the HPSC processor and ECAD software like Altium. By the end of the internship, participants will have a deeper understanding of spaceflight computing challenges and solutions, as well as practical experience in developing innovative, real-world engineering solutions for space applications.
Optional but highly recommended "get-ahead" work:
Student licenses for the ECAD software, Altium, are available directly from the company for free, in addition to an online Course Curriculum to learn the software (https://education.altium.com/). Applicants are encouraged to start learning/using Altium at the time of application to better enhance their own personal skillset and to enable immediate technical work when the internship starts.
**Eligible Applicants:** Student
**Academic Level:** Undergraduate Freshman, Undergraduate Sophomore, Undergraduate Junior, Undergraduate Senior, Graduate Master's, Graduate Doctoral, Post Doctoral
**Activity Type:** In-person
**Citizenship:** US Citizen Only
**Type:** Internships