Want to intern for an asteroid mining startup?

Maybe you thought the James Cameron-backed startup Planetary Resources wasn't serious when they announced their intention to mine asteroids and bring the precious resources back to Earth.

But it was no joke. The company recently announced what could be the coolest (paid!) internship ever (as long as it doesn't turn out like this).

PRI’s vision is to mine near-Earth asteroids for raw materials, ranging from water to precious metals through the rapid development of innovative and cost-effective exploration technologies. Resource extraction from asteroids will deliver multiple benefits to humanity and grow to be valued at tens of billions of dollars annually. The effort will tap into the high concentration of precious materials found on asteroids and will provide a foundation for further space exploration and a sustainable supply of raw materials to the ever-growing population on Earth. It may sound like science fiction, but it’s just science!

Planetary Resources, Inc (PRI), The Asteroid Mining Company, is seeking qualified and enthusiastic candidates for paid cooperative education positions to assist in the development of new systems and technologies for the commercial robotic exploration of near Earth asteroids in our Bellevue, WA location. Applicants should have an interest in space systems design and application and should expect a hands-on, intense and dynamic work environment.

Here's the kind of student they're looking for. The gig starts next January.

Not a college student? Don't worry, they're also hiring a "General Space Nut."

For more about Planetary Resources, check out this video:

[Via Grist]

Photo: Flickr/Lights In The Dark

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com