Intern, Mechanical Systems (Winch & Tether)

The intern will work with the mechanical and systems integration teams on the design, fabrication, and testing of the winch and tether mechanisms used for launch, retrieval, and stabilization of tethered aerostat systems.

Key Responsibilities

| Winch System Design

• Assist in design of motorized winch systems for tether management

• Support development of tension control and payout mechanisms

• Work on drum design, cable routing, and spooling systems

• Contribute to brake and safety mechanism design

| Tether Analysis

• Support analysis of tether materials, strength, and aerodynamic drag

• Assist in tether termination design and testing

• Work on tether dynamics modeling and simulation

| Fabrication & Testing

• Support fabrication of winch components and assemblies

• Assist in load testing, cycle testing, and field deployment tests

• Document design specifications, test procedures, and results