Oceanographic Lidar Remote Sensing and Field Campaign Internship

Oceanographic Lidar Remote Sensing and Field Campaign Internship Analytical Mechanics Associates vision insurance, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) United States, Virginia, Hampton 21 Enterprise Parkway (Show on map) Apr 29, 2026

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated summer intern to join our team in advancing ocean remote sensing technologies. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of active remote sensing, mathematical modeling, and oceanography. The successful candidate will focus on simulating and analyzing lidar ocean measurements to better understand underwater optical properties, while also providing critical support for upcoming multi-platform field campaigns. This work will directly contribute to our understanding of marine ecosystems and help bridge the gap between in-situ active sensors and global satellite observations, particularly in support of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission. This parttime internship lasts up to one year and includes about 10 hours of work per week, offering steady involvement in ongoing projects and meaningful skill development.

Key Responsibilities:

Simulation Development:

Utilize Monte Carlo programming techniques to develop and refine lidar simulations, modeling the complex propagation of light in the ocean under various environmental and physical conditions.

Lidar Data Analysis:

Analyze active lidar ocean measurements, with a specific focus on extracting and interpreting backscatter, attenuation, and depolarization data.

Field Campaign Support:

Actively participate in the planning, logistical preparation, and execution of upcoming field campaigns to gather validation data. Campaigns will involve coordinated aircraft and ship-based deployments, with the primary focus on shipboard operations.

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

Quantitative & Coding Proficiency:

Strong mathematical foundation and excellent programming skills, with a specific interest or background in developing Monte Carlo simulations.

Technical Knowledge:

A working knowledge of (or strong academic background related to) using active lidar systems for ocean remote sensing applications.

Satellite Mission Familiarity:

An understanding of the measurements and capabilities of satellite remote sensors, with particular emphasis on the

NASA PACE

mission and its ocean color/aerosol objectives.

Academic Background:

Pursuing a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Oceanography, Atmospheric Science, or a related STEM field. Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options. AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.