NASA has officially opened applications for the highly competitive Dexterous Robotics – Special Projects Internship for Fall 2026 at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. This prestigious in-person internship opportunity offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work directly on advanced robotics systems designed to support future lunar missions, autonomous space operations, and next-generation space exploration technologies.

The internship is hosted under NASA’s Robotics Technology Development Branch and focuses on developing cutting-edge robotic manipulation systems capable of supporting future operations on the Moon and beyond. Interns selected for this opportunity will gain hands-on experience in robotics engineering, embedded systems, autonomous systems, avionics, control algorithms, software development, and high-performance computing.

This internship represents an extraordinary opportunity for students passionate about robotics, aerospace engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, embedded systems, automation, and space exploration to contribute directly to real NASA projects shaping the future of human and robotic exploration.

Applications are currently open, and interested students must apply before the registration deadline of May 22, 2026.

About the NASA Dexterous Robotics Internship

The Dexterous Robotics – Special Projects Internship is part of NASA’s internship programme aimed at providing educational and operational experiences for students interested in STEM careers and aerospace innovation.

The internship is hosted by the Robotics Technology Development Branch at NASA Johnson Space Center, one of NASA’s most important centers for human spaceflight, robotics, astronaut operations, and advanced exploration technologies.

Interns participating in this programme will work alongside NASA engineers, researchers, and technical specialists on projects focused on robotic manipulation systems for future space missions.

NASA’s Vision for Future Robotics and Lunar Exploration

NASA is actively advancing robotic systems capable of supporting long-duration lunar and deep-space missions. Future space exploration missions require highly capable robotic technologies that can assist astronauts and operate autonomously during uncrewed periods.

The robotics systems being developed at Johnson Space Center are expected to support critical space mission operations such as:

• Lunar site preparation
• Infrastructure support
• Scientific exploration
• Logistics and cargo handling
• Maintenance operations
• Human-robot collaboration
• Autonomous robotic missions
• Rover coordination
• Satellite manipulation systems

The internship programme gives students the opportunity to contribute directly to technologies designed for future Moon and space missions.

Internship Focus Areas

The internship combines both hardware and software development for advanced robotic systems.

Selected interns will contribute to:

• Robotics software engineering
• Autonomous systems development
• Flight-qualified software systems
• Embedded systems engineering
• Sensor and actuator integration
• Robotics control systems
• Dynamic system modeling
• FPGA and MCU programming
• Avionics design
• High-performance computing systems

The programme bridges the gap between current terrestrial robotics technologies and future space robotics systems.

Key Responsibilities and Internship Activities

Interns selected for this opportunity may participate in a wide range of technical and research activities.

1. Robotics Hardware Development

Interns may assist with:

• Designing robotics hardware systems
• Developing robotic manipulation components
• Integrating motors, sensors, and actuators
• Testing robotic systems and subsystems
• Supporting avionics hardware design

This work contributes directly to next-generation robotic manipulation technologies for space applications.

2. Embedded Systems and Firmware Development

Participants may work on:

• FPGA programming
• MCU software development
• Embedded systems integration
• Linux driver development
• Hardware description language programming

Students will gain exposure to flight-oriented embedded systems and real-world robotics engineering workflows.

3. Robotics Software and Control Systems

Interns may contribute to:

• ROS 2 development using C++ or Python
• Robotics control algorithm design
• Autonomous manipulation systems
• Dynamic modeling and simulations
• Flight-qualified software systems

This area of work is critical for enabling intelligent robotic operations in space environments.

4. Autonomous Systems and Human-Robot Interaction

NASA’s future missions require safe and effective collaboration between astronauts and robotic systems.

Interns may support:

• Human-robot interaction systems
• Autonomous robotics coordination
• Rover-manipulator synchronization
• Safety-focused robotic operations
• Multi-system robotic communication

Learning Opportunities and Technical Experience

The internship is designed to provide extensive technical learning and hands-on engineering experience.

Interns will:

• Gain practical robotics engineering experience
• Work on real NASA projects
• Learn advanced robotics software systems
• Build expertise in autonomous systems
• Understand robotic systems for space exploration
• Improve systems engineering capabilities
• Enhance problem-solving and technical communication skills

By the end of the internship, participants will have significantly strengthened their technical and professional abilities in robotics and aerospace engineering.

Ideal Technical Skills and Qualifications

NASA is seeking students with strong academic backgrounds and technical skills in robotics, engineering, and software systems.

Preferred Technical Skills

Applicants with experience in the following areas are highly encouraged to apply:

PCB Design

• Altium PCB design tools
• Electronics systems integration
• Robotics hardware development

Robotics Integration and Testing

• Sensors and actuators
• Motors and gear-trains
• Robotics hardware validation

Embedded Systems Development

• FPGA programming
• MCU software development
• Linux driver programming
• Firmware engineering

Hardware Description Languages

Experience with:

• VHDL
• Verilog
• SystemVerilog

Robotics Programming

• ROS 2
• C++
• Python

Robotics Modeling and Simulation

• MATLAB
• Python-based modeling
• Dynamic simulations

Flight Software Systems

• Core Flight System (cFS)
• Flight-qualified software engineering

Important Nontechnical Skills

NASA also values several professional and collaborative competencies.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical thinking
• Creativity and innovation
• Team collaboration abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary environments

Internship Location and Work Structure

Internship Location

Houston, Texas, United States

NASA Center

Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Internship Format

In-person

Work Schedule

Full-Time

This internship offers students the opportunity to work directly within NASA’s engineering and robotics environment.

Academic Levels Eligible to Apply

NASA is accepting applications from:

• Undergraduate Juniors
• Undergraduate Seniors
• Master’s Students
• Doctoral Students

Students from multiple engineering and technical disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Academic Majors

The internship is especially suitable for students studying:

• Computer Science
• Aerospace Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• Automation Engineering
• Electronics Engineering

Students in related STEM fields with relevant technical experience may also qualify.

Citizenship Requirement

This internship opportunity is open only to:

• United States Citizens

Applicants must meet NASA’s citizenship eligibility requirements before applying.

Internship Session

Internship Period

Fall 2026

Application Timeline

Registration Start Date: March 16, 2026

Registration Deadline: May 22, 2026

Students are strongly encouraged to submit applications early due to the highly competitive nature of NASA internships.

Why This NASA Internship Matters

NASA internships are among the most respected STEM opportunities globally. The Dexterous Robotics Internship offers students direct exposure to:

• Space robotics
• Autonomous systems
• Lunar mission technologies
• Advanced aerospace systems
• Robotics engineering research
• Human space exploration technologies

The internship also helps students build professional networks and gain experience that can support future careers in:

• Aerospace engineering
• Robotics
• Artificial intelligence
• Autonomous systems
• Space technology
• Embedded systems
• Research and development

This opportunity is especially valuable for students seeking careers at NASA, aerospace companies, robotics firms, or advanced technology organizations.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through the official NASA internship portal.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare:

• Updated resume
• Academic records
• Technical project experience
• Relevant engineering and programming skills
• Research experience
• Robotics portfolio (if available)

Apply HERE

For more information, visit the official website

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