Intern Spotlight: Rising Stars at Axient on National Intern Day

Intern Spotlight: Rising Stars at Axient on National Intern Day

At Axient, we believe in the power of nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for growth and learning. Our summer internship program is designed to give students and recent graduates hands-on experience in the space and defense sectors. This National Intern Day, we’re excited to spotlight several of our exceptional interns who have been making significant contributions to our projects. Through their hard work, fresh perspectives, and enthusiasm, they are helping us push the boundaries of innovation. Read on to learn more about their journeys, insights, and aspirations.

Intern Spotlight: Sarah Ibsen

• What is your role is at Axient? As a software engineering intern, I was mainly supporting MLIDs on the IFRCO contract, but now I support the JATDB team.
• How would you explain your job to a five-year-old? I work and talk to computers in a way where we can create amazing projects!
• When/where are you at your happiest? I am the happiest at work when I can get into a good workflow, and outside of work, I am my happiest being with the people that I love. The most important thing is that I’m wearing something comfortable.
• What do you enjoy most about working at Axient? I enjoy the environment the most at Axient. I don’t feel scared to ask for help, and there are people who want to help you, especially on your team.

Intern Spotlight: Maximiliano Monge-Vela

• Current university/major: I am studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico.
• What are you working on/what is your role is at Axient? At Axient, I am an Aerospace R&D intern pioneering the development of a cutting-edge Helmholtz Cage at our unique Space Monkey facility. This advanced device allows us to simulate space conditions and rigorously test our state-of-the-art Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) right here on Earth.
• What new skills or knowledge have you gained during your internship? During my internship at Space Monkey, I have gained a variety of new skills and knowledge. I’ve enhanced my machining and 3D printing abilities, and I also became IPC certified, allowing me to work on the circuit boards we develop. The environment has provided me with the freedom to explore and learn continuously.
• How has Axient’s mission or values resonated with you? The company’s mission and values have deeply resonated with me. Their dedication to producing high-quality products for customers, especially in the realm of space-grade devices, aligns perfectly with my values of excellence and commitment to delivering impactful results. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that prioritizes quality and innovation, pushing boundaries in the aerospace industry.

Intern Spotlight: Michael Black

• Current university/major: I am a finance major at Freed-Hardeman University.
• What are you working on/what is your role is at Axient? My role at Axient is to be ready to learn every day. I am assigned various tasks to assist my mentors weekly. I am attending meetings so that I can gain a better understanding the work Axient is involved with.
• Advice to recent college graduates/fellow young professionals: Always prioritize learning and growth in your career, seek mentors who inspire you and opportunities that challenge you.
• What new skills or knowledge have you gained during your internship? While I’ve been an intern, I have really seen improvement in my communication skills.

Intern Spotlight: Ben Ruys, Kayla Del Rosario, Gibson Puckett, Prajit “PJ” Saravanan, Clarissa Cheung, Cole Matarazza (not pictured: Isaac Gardner)

• Current university/major: Our interns are from all over the United States, specifically Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, University of Florida, Santa Clara University, Kennesaw State University, and Las Positas College
• What are you working on/what is your role is at Axient? Our interns are working on a variety of projects at NASA Ames from Mission Ops Support on our ACS3 Mission (an actively flying CubeSat), support to our Flight Instrument Group helping design the next generation of instruments for spaceflight, to developing and designing payloads to fly on upcoming balloon launches, and support to our lander mission.

Intern Spotlight: William “Will” Hamel 

• Current university/major: University of New Mexico, B.S. in Electrical Engineering
• What are you working on/what is your role is at Axient? I am working on the electronics for the IRAD project for an Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) for CubeSats.
• What inspired your interest in the space and defense sectors? My main inspiration is my dad, Paul, who is a software engineer. He worked so hard to give his kids the better life than he had, and I want to do that for my future kids. Not only financially, but I want to contribute to the next big thing that could change their lives. Think of GPS or the internet, they were originally military only, but are in everything now. I want to be like those engineers.
• What new skills or knowledge have you gained during your internship? I have gained a deeper appreciation for the time and knowledge that goes into space missions. It really does take a village to make a satellite.

Intern Spotlight: Garrett Gmeiner

• Current university/major: I am studying Computer Science at Florida Tech.
• Can you describe a typical day in your internship? I usually arrive around 7 am. I check my emails and any Teams messages before checking the current ticket that I am working on. After that, I spend time adding/refactoring functionalities in my local branch, submitting my code for review, and making revisions.
• What inspired your interest in the space and defense sectors? Space has just always been the coolest thing to me since there is so much unknown. Working in defense resonates a passion within me because some of my best friends are in, or will be joining soon, almost all the military branches. Working on software is different when you can impact your peers and even protect them.
• How do you see the future of these industries evolving? With the way the world is politically, the defense industry will be critical for years to come. Likewise, with the countless steps being taken to explore the universe, I am excited to watch our world’s secrets reveal themselves.