Internship - Launch Site Development - Spring 2027

Firefly Aerospace • Cedar Park, TX

2d

About The Position

Firefly Aerospace is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Launch Site Development Intern to support the design and development of launch infrastructure and ground support equipment. The internship offers hands-on exposure to launch site systems engineering, structural design, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced aerospace environment. The ideal candidate is pursuing an engineering degree and has a strong interest in launch operations, ground systems, and spaceflight infrastructure.

The intern will help gather and document requirements for the Alpha Deployable Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL), support development of an initial structural design using CAD, and assist with layouts, models, preliminary analyses, and Conceptual Design Review materials. The role also involves participation in design reviews, technical discussions, and trade studies, with exposure to industry standards, safety considerations, and best practices for launch infrastructure and ground systems. Additional engineering or documentation tasks may be assigned.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Firefly Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of structural design principles and engineering fundamentals.
• Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations for compliance with space technology export regulations, including ITAR.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or experience related to structures, ground systems, launch operations, or fluid systems.
• Familiarity with design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR) or systems engineering concepts.
• Experience working with engineering requirements or configuration-controlled documentation.
• Interest in launch site operations and spaceflight infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering stakeholders to gather and document structural, fluid, and electrical design requirements for the Alpha Deployable Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL).
• Support consolidation of system requirements and design concepts into an initial TEL structural design using CAD tools.
• Assist in developing layouts, models, and preliminary analyses for launch site and ground support structures.
• Help prepare technical documentation, presentations, and review materials for the Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) of the Alpha Deployable TEL structure.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and trade studies related to launch site development.
• Gain exposure to industry standards, safety considerations, and best practices for launch infrastructure and ground systems.
• Perform additional engineering or documentation tasks as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern