Internship - Launch Site Development - Spring 2027

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace in Cedar Park, Texas, seeks a Launch Site Development Intern to support design and development of launch infrastructure and ground support equipment. The role provides hands-on exposure to systems engineering, structural design, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

The ideal candidate is enrolled in an engineering degree with interest in launch operations and spaceflight infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in relevant engineering fields.
• Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and good communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Gather and document design requirements for TEL.
• Assist in TEL structural design concepts using CAD.
• Develop layouts, models, and preliminary analyses for launch site structures.
• Prepare technical documentation for CoDR.
• Participate in design reviews and trade studies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

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

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• 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 (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Desired:

• 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.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.