Composite Engineering Internship - Summer 2026

United Launch Alliance • Decatur, AL

127d

About The Position

As a Composite Engineering Intern at United Launch Alliance you'll gain hands-on experience and will have the opportunity to support the PMP team in the development, fabrication, and testing of non-metallic materials with a focus on composite materials and processes. You will conduct materials testing and contribute to process improvement initiatives, provide production support for composite structures, assist with issue resolution during various phases, perform hardware acceptance activities, and participate in systems engineering activities. Interns will engage in unique assignments that provide hands-on experience with day-to-day engineering operations and support onsite activities at ULA’s composites supplier production facility.

Requirements

• Completed Sophomore year of college or university by the time of the summer internship assignment.
• Minimum college GPA of 2.90 on a 4.00 scale at the time of application.
• Valid driver’s license and motorized vehicle transportation if assigned an internship in Alabama, California, Florida, or Pueblo, Colorado.
• Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar field from an accredited college or university.
• Plans to be enrolled in classes during Fall Semester 2026.
• Ability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks during the Summer of 2026.
• Coursework or other experience with composites design, analysis or manufacturing.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Effective presentation, written communication, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the PMP team in the development, fabrication, and testing of non-metallic materials with a focus on composite materials and processes.
• Conduct materials testing and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Provide production support for composite structures, including payload fairings, interstage adapters, heatshields, and payload attach fittings.
• Assist with issue resolution during layup, cure, machining, integration, and acceptance phases.
• Perform hardware acceptance activities, including build paper reviews and physical inspections.
• Participate in systems engineering activities by defining and managing requirements, interfaces, and performance metrics.
• Integrate across design, analysis, and production teams; support test planning, scheduling, and execution; and contribute to trade studies balancing performance, cost, and risk.
• Gain exposure to systems engineering, quality assurance, and production operations while shadowing experienced engineers.
• Support onsite activities at ULA’s composites supplier production facility.
• Travel as required to suppliers, customers, or other ULA locations.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits including an opportunity to participate in designing, building, and launching of ULA’s sports rockets.
• Flexible work environments.
• Numerous social and networking opportunities.
• For those who qualify, a living stipend may be available.
• Most salaried ULA team members work a '9/80 schedule,' meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees