AEOP Internships & Fellowships Campuses

Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Aberdeen, Maryland, is a cornerstone for AEOP Internships & Fellowships, emphasizing weapons survivability, combat vehicle engineering, and test & evaluation methodologies. As the Army's oldest active proving ground, it offers interns exposure to live-fire testing and armored systems development.

• Combat Vehicle Systems: Courses on tank design, mobility, and powertrains. Fellows analyze suspension systems, armor integration, and hybrid electric drives using modeling tools like ADAMS.
• Survivability Engineering: Research in vulnerability assessment, blast mitigation, and active protection systems. Projects involve finite element simulations and explosive ordnance testing.
• Test and Evaluation: Training in instrumentation, data acquisition, and statistical analysis for weapons trials. Interns deploy sensors on ranges and process telemetry for performance metrics.
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Development of ground robots for reconnaissance and logistics. Courses cover path planning, machine vision, and human-robot interaction protocols.
• Materials for Armored Vehicles: Study of ceramics, alloys, and reactive materials. Hands-on labs include ballistic impact testing and microstructural analysis with TEM.
• C4ISR Integration: Focus on command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for vehicles. Interns work on network-centric warfare simulations and cyber-secure interfaces.

The AEOP program at APG combines academic rigor with field operations, utilizing over 72,000 acres of test ranges for realistic scenarios. Mentorship from test engineers ensures safe, effective learning, with opportunities to co-author technical reports and attend defense expos. Sessions include safety training, ethical considerations in testing, and career panels with veterans. Interns contribute to ongoing programs like next-gen combat vehicles, gaining proficiency in data-driven decision-making and prototype validation. This immersive setting builds resilience and technical acumen, preparing participants for roles in defense testing, automotive engineering, or policy analysis. APG's legacy in WWII tank development informs modern R&D, emphasizing innovation in maneuverability, protection, and lethality to meet evolving threats. Through AEOP, fellows bridge theory and practice, driving advancements that safeguard soldiers on the battlefield.

Fort Belvoir's Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Virginia hosts AEOP Internships & Fellowships, specializing in geospatial engineering, environmental technologies, and infrastructure resilience. This campus advances military engineering solutions for expeditionary operations and climate adaptation.

• Geospatial Information Science: Courses on GIS, remote sensing, and 3D modeling. Interns analyze terrain data for mission planning using ArcGIS and LiDAR processing.
• Environmental Engineering: Research in water resources, contamination remediation, and sustainable bases. Projects involve hydraulic modeling, bioremediation techniques, and climate impact assessments.
• Geotechnical Engineering: Study of soil mechanics, foundation design, and explosive effects on structures. Fellows conduct lab tests and field surveys for rapid runway repair.
• Coastal and Hydraulic Engineering: Focus on flood control, port security, and wave dynamics. Training includes HEC-RAS simulations and physical scale models in wave tanks.
• Construction Engineering: Advanced materials for deployable structures, 3D printing of habitats, and BIM integration. Interns explore modular construction for forward operating bases.
• Cyber-Physical Systems for Infrastructure: Development of smart grids, IoT sensors, and resilient networks. Courses cover cybersecurity for SCADA systems and predictive maintenance algorithms.

AEOP at ERDC provides a collaborative platform with access to computational clusters and outdoor test sites, mentoring interns through the full engineering lifecycle. Programs emphasize DoD priorities like energy efficiency and disaster response, with guest speakers from FEMA and USGS. Fellows participate in hackathons, publish in journals, and network at engineering conferences. The 8-12 week format includes fieldwork, data analysis, and presentation skills training, fostering innovation in civil-military applications. This experience equips participants with tools to address global challenges like sea-level rise and resource scarcity, preparing them for careers in consulting, government, or academia. ERDC's interdisciplinary approach integrates science and policy, ensuring technologies enhance operational readiness while protecting the environment. Through hands-on projects, interns contribute to resilient infrastructure that supports Army missions worldwide.

The Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) in Natick, Massachusetts, hosts AEOP Internships & Fellowships dedicated to enhancing soldier sustainment through innovative technologies in food science, textiles, and protective equipment. This campus emphasizes applied research to improve military logistics and human performance in extreme environments.

• Food Science and Technology: Interns investigate nutrient delivery systems, shelf-stable rations, and biotechnology for food production. Courses cover food microbiology, sensory analysis, and packaging engineering, with projects on developing combat meals that maintain nutritional value under harsh conditions.
• Protective Clothing and Equipment: Focus on advanced textiles, flame-resistant fabrics, and wearable sensors. Fellows learn fiber science, weaving techniques, and material testing, designing gear for chemical, biological, and ballistic protection.
• Human Performance Optimization: Research in physiology, nutrition, and ergonomics. Participants study metabolic responses to stress, hydration strategies, and cognitive enhancers, using lab equipment for VO2 max testing and sleep deprivation simulations.
• Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing: Courses on eco-friendly polymers, 3D printing for gear, and supply chain modeling. Interns explore lifecycle assessments and additive manufacturing to reduce logistical footprints.
• Modeling and Simulation: Utilizing computational tools for predicting equipment durability and human-system interactions. Training includes CAD software, finite element analysis, and virtual prototyping for rapid iteration.
• Biomedical Engineering: Development of medical countermeasures and portable diagnostics. Projects involve biosensor design, wound healing materials, and telemedicine interfaces for field medics.

AEOP experiences at Natick integrate classroom instruction with laboratory and field exercises, promoting innovation in soldier-centric solutions. Mentors guide fellows through the research process, from hypothesis formulation to prototype validation, often resulting in deployable technologies. The program includes guest lectures from DoD experts, ethical discussions on human subjects research, and opportunities for conference presentations. Spanning summer and year-round sessions, it builds technical proficiency while emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Interns gain insights into translating science to operational use, preparing them for roles in defense R&D, academia, or industry. The campus's facilities, including environmental chambers and fabrication labs, provide a comprehensive platform for exploring the intersection of science, engineering, and military needs, ultimately advancing warfighter resilience and effectiveness.

Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, New Jersey, is a key site for AEOP Internships & Fellowships, specializing in armaments, munitions, and lethality technologies. This historic facility drives advancements in precision weapons and energetic materials, offering interns rigorous training in explosives engineering and systems integration.

• Energetic Materials Science: Courses on propellant chemistry, explosives formulation, and pyrotechnics. Fellows synthesize and characterize high-energy compounds, learning safety protocols and detonation modeling using software like CHEETAH.
• Armaments and Munitions Design: Focus on smart munitions, fuzing systems, and projectile aerodynamics. Projects involve CAD modeling, wind tunnel testing, and ballistic simulations for next-generation artillery.
• Precision Guidance and Control: Research in GPS/INS navigation, laser guidance, and sensor fusion. Interns develop algorithms for autonomous targeting, with hands-on work in electronics and control theory.
• Manufacturing and Quality Assurance: Training in advanced machining, additive manufacturing for metal parts, and non-destructive testing. Emphasis on lean production and ISO standards for defense applications.
• Environmental and Safety Engineering: Studies on insensitive munitions, pollution mitigation, and risk assessment. Participants analyze blast effects and design eco-friendly disposal methods.
• Systems Engineering: Integrating hardware and software for weapon platforms. Courses cover requirements analysis, verification testing, and lifecycle management using tools like DOORS.

The AEOP program at Picatinny fosters a secure environment for exploring the complexities of weapons development, with direct access to firing ranges and high-containment labs. Mentorship from ordnance experts ensures fellows master both theoretical and practical skills, contributing to prototypes that enhance combat effectiveness. Sessions include safety certifications, technical report writing workshops, and briefings on arms control treaties. Interns collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams, simulating real acquisition processes and gaining exposure to classified technologies under supervision. This experience not only builds expertise in pyrotechnics and ballistics but also instills a commitment to responsible innovation. The campus's legacy in WWII-era developments continues through modern R&D, preparing participants for careers in aerospace, defense contracting, or government labs. By bridging academia and military needs, Picatinny's fellowships empower the next generation of engineers to solve challenges in precision strike capabilities and sustainable armaments.

Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, hosts AEOP Internships & Fellowships through its Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), concentrating on aerospace engineering, missile systems, and unmanned technologies. Known as 'Rocket City,' this campus provides unparalleled opportunities in propulsion and flight dynamics research.

• Aerospace Propulsion: Interns study rocket engines, turbomachinery, and hybrid propulsion systems. Courses include thermodynamics, combustion analysis, and testing in altitude simulation chambers.
• Missile Guidance and Aerodynamics: Focus on trajectory optimization, control systems, and hypersonic flows. Projects utilize CFD software and wind tunnels for designing seeker heads and fins.
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Research in drone autonomy, swarm intelligence, and payload integration. Fellows program flight controllers using ROS and explore AI for mission planning.
• Structures and Materials for Aviation: Courses on composite airframes, fatigue testing, and stealth coatings. Hands-on fabrication with autoclaves and non-destructive evaluation techniques.
• Avionics and Electronics: Development of radar, communication systems, and embedded software. Training in FPGA programming, signal processing, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Sensors and Imaging: Advanced electro-optics, infrared detection, and multi-spectral imaging. Interns calibrate sensors and analyze data for target acquisition in adverse conditions.

AEOP at Redstone integrates theoretical coursework with collaborative projects in world-class facilities, including engine test stands and simulation centers. Mentors from NASA and Army collaborations guide fellows toward impactful contributions, such as improving missile accuracy or extending rotorcraft range. The program features industry site visits, patent seminars, and diversity in STEM initiatives. Summer interns engage in 10-week challenges, presenting findings to senior leaders and potentially influencing acquisition programs. This hands-on approach develops skills in systems thinking, rapid prototyping, and interdisciplinary teamwork essential for aerospace careers. The campus's proximity to Marshall Space Flight Center enriches experiences with space-related technologies, fostering innovation in defense aviation. Participants leave equipped to tackle complex problems in high-speed flight, electronic warfare, and sustainable propulsion, advancing U.S. military superiority through scientific excellence.

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Adelphi, Maryland, serves as a primary hub for AEOP Internships & Fellowships, focusing on advanced scientific research and engineering applications for military technologies. Interns and fellows engage in cutting-edge projects across multiple disciplines, gaining hands-on experience in real-world problem-solving.

• Computational and Information Sciences: Participants explore algorithms, data analytics, machine learning, and cybersecurity, developing models for battlefield simulations and intelligence processing. Courses emphasize programming in Python and MATLAB, with applications in AI-driven decision support systems.
• Human Research and Engineering: This area covers human factors engineering, biomechanics, and cognitive science. Fellows study soldier performance enhancement through wearable technologies, virtual reality training simulations, and ergonomic design principles.
• Materials Science: Interns delve into nanotechnology, advanced composites, and smart materials. Hands-on labs involve synthesizing materials for armor, sensors, and energy storage, including polymer chemistry and materials characterization techniques like SEM and XRD.
• Sensors and Electron Devices: Focus on optoelectronics, radar systems, and imaging technologies. Projects include designing infrared detectors and electronic warfare systems, with coursework in electromagnetics and semiconductor physics.
• Survivability and Lethality: Research in ballistics, explosives, and directed energy weapons. Participants analyze weapon effects, propulsion systems, and protective countermeasures, using simulation software and field testing protocols.
• Vehicle Technology: Engineering courses on autonomous systems, robotics, and powertrains. Interns work on unmanned ground vehicles, electric propulsion, and mobility enhancement for rough terrain operations.

AEOP programs at this campus integrate interdisciplinary approaches, with mentorship from leading scientists. Fellows contribute to peer-reviewed publications and prototype development, fostering skills in research methodology, technical writing, and collaborative teamwork. The 10-week summer sessions include seminars on ethics in defense research, career development workshops, and networking events with industry partners. Emphasis is placed on innovation, with projects often leading to patents or technology transitions to the Army. This immersive environment prepares participants for STEM careers, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application in a secure, state-of-the-art facility spanning computational modeling to field experimentation. Overall, the curriculum equips interns with tools to address national security challenges through scientific excellence.

White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico is a premier AEOP Internships & Fellowships location for missile testing, space systems, and high-energy laser research. As the largest military installation in the U.S., it offers unparalleled access to open-air ranges for flight experimentation and telemetry analysis.

• Missile and Space Systems Testing: Courses on launch operations, trajectory tracking, and reentry physics. Interns monitor tests using radar and optical systems, analyzing data with MATLAB.
• High-Energy Lasers and Directed Energy: Research in beam control, thermal effects, and countermeasure development. Projects involve laser propagation modeling and target engagement simulations.
• Instrumentation and Telemetry: Training in sensor networks, data acquisition, and real-time processing. Fellows deploy ground stations and troubleshoot RF communications.
• Astrodynamics and Orbital Mechanics: Focus on satellite deployment, rendezvous maneuvers, and debris mitigation. Courses use STK software for mission design and perturbation analysis.
• Explosives and Propulsion Testing: Study of solid/liquid rockets, warhead performance, and shock wave dynamics. Hands-on with high-speed cameras and pressure transducers.
• Autonomous Systems Evaluation: Testing drones, hypersonic vehicles, and AI pilots in expansive test beds. Interns program autonomy stacks and evaluate human-out-of-the-loop scenarios.

The AEOP program at WSMR immerses fellows in high-stakes testing environments, with safety protocols and mentorship from range experts. Sessions feature live launches, post-mission debriefs, and contributions to test reports that inform DoD programs. Interns gain certifications in range safety, explore STEM outreach, and collaborate with partners like NASA. This dynamic setting builds expertise in experimental design, error analysis, and interdisciplinary integration crucial for aerospace careers. WSMR's role in Apollo and ICBM history inspires innovation in modern threats like hypersonics and space warfare. Participants develop resilience through 24/7 operations, preparing them to lead in defense, space industry, or research institutions. By engaging in cutting-edge trials, AEOP fellows advance technologies that ensure strategic deterrence and exploration beyond Earth.