2026-2028 Internship - STEM - Modeling Impacts on Titan Using Numerical Simulations

Are you interested in contributing to efforts that help us learn about the planets and moons in our solar system, even if you've never worked on space systems before?

The Dragonfly mission team is seeking a Student Guest Investigator to model impact events into Saturn's largest moon, Titan, using high-fidelity numerical simulations.

We're seeking Master's and PhD students in the physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, or engineering who are strong analytical thinkers and eager to apply coding and modeling skills to real-world planetary science challenges. This is atwo-year hybrid commitment and you must remain actively enrolled for the full two-year duration of the project. Some work may be performed remotely during the academic year; however, summer work is conducted in person.

This is your opportunity to contribute to a mission to Titan while using computational tools to better understand surface conditions at potential landing sites.

Project Overview

Impact craters form when objects traveling through space collide with planetary bodies. Because Dragonfly will explore an impact crater on Titan, understanding how different types of impact events shape the surface is essential for mission planning.

This project focuses on using high-fidelity numerical simulations to model two types of impactors:

• Heliocentric (orbiting the Sun before impact)
• Planetocentric (orbiting Saturn before impact)

These impact types differ in speed and energy, leading to different crater formation outcomes. Your work will help evaluate crater size, melt volume, and other surface characteristics relevant to Dragonfly's landing site.

As a Student Guest Investigator, You Will:

• Define impactor populations and characteristics (velocity, angle, speed)
• Run high-fidelity numerical simulations of impact events
• Model heliocentric and planetocentric impacts into Titan
• Analyze crater size, melt volume, and surface modification outcomes
• Develop analysis scripts using Python or MATLAB
• Evaluate large simulation datasets and image outputs
• Document progress, findings, and technical challenges for mentor review

Location: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: May 29, 2026
• Selections Announced: September 30, 2026

You must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship (required for access to facilities and networks)
• Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD in physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, or engineering at a U.S. institution and must remain actively enrolled for the full two-year duration of the project
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research or development
• Willingness to learn to use image analysis tools
• Experience with programming
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and within a technical team

Above and beyond the minimum requirements:

• Experience with numerical modeling or computational simulations
• Experience working in Linux or command-line environments
• Experience handling large datasets

Application Requirements

Submit the following materials:

• 1-2 page cover letter (per project applied to)
• Most recent transcripts (unofficial is fine)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including hardware and software project experience
• Faculty Mentor Requirement
  • Applicants must provide a name and contact information for their faculty advisor at their home institution along with a 2-3 sentence statement from that faculty advisor confirming that if the student is selected:
    • They will provide a workspace, internet access, facilities, etc. at their home institution so that the student can work on their Dragonfly project and communicate with the Dragonfly team during their 2-year tenure as a Guest Investigator
    • They will remotely attend the Fall 2026 Guest Investigator Kickoff Meeting (mid-late October)
    • They understand that this is a part-time, supplemental research project that does not replace their student's M.S. or PhD research

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.