Aeronautical Engineering Research Fellowship

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
AFIT-2026-0010
How to Apply

Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

Description

The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering a graduate research fellowship in aeronautical engineering at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers to conduct research related to the electric propulsion of transport aircraft. Your research activities will be designed to connect theory and practice, with specific project matches determined by your academic experience and professional interests.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:

• Learning about aircraft systems engineering and systems analysis to support integrated design and performance assessment.
• Participating in aircraft design trade studies with a focus on propulsion–airframe integration and technology selection.
• Participating in aircraft operations trade studies to evaluate economic viability and military effectiveness.
• Developing and applying analytical skills to predict installed propulsion system performance, including hybrid-electric configurations, and associated flight envelope limits.
• Gaining experience in the evaluation of aircraft mission performance using modeling and simulation to assess operational capability across representative missions.

Where will I be located?

Dayton, Ohio

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

This appointment is a ten-week research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About AFIT

The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education. A component of Air University and Air Education and Training Command, AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air, space and cyber forces.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense .

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will be currently pursuing a graduate degree (master's or doctoral) in Aerospace and Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering. 

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Solid academic background in Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering
• Academic or practical experience in Aircraft Performance, Aircraft Propulsion, Aerodynamic Design

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [AFIT-2026-0010] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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Point of Contact
Leslie
Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Engineering (2 )

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