Internship - Mission Operations (Spacecraft) - Spring 2027

Firefly Aerospace; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace seeks interns to join the Mission Operations team, developing test plans, procedures, and simulations for Blue Ghost and Elytra programs. You will gain hands-on exposure to ground systems, automate validation, and contribute to flight operations workflows under mentorship.

The role targets students or new graduates with Python or MATLAB experience, Linux familiarity, and an interest in spacecraft operations.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in BS/MS at an accredited university or recent graduate.
• Interest in spacecraft operations, ground control, or simulations.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Comfortable with Linux/command-line environments.
• Able to follow structured processes and collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test flight procedures and operational checklists for spacecraft missions.
• Prepare and validate simulation runs and mission rehearsals with ground system configuration and automation validation.
• Work on ground system tasks such as requirements verification and workflow documentation.
• Engage in team meetings to learn how mission operations decisions are made.
• Own development of focused projects and tools for flight operations.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Linux CLI

Teamwork

Education

Pursuing BS/MS in a relevant field

Recent graduate considered

Tools

Git

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

This internship provides a foundational pathway into spacecraft mission operations by immersing you in the development of Mission Operations Center ground segment test plans, flight operations procedures, high-fidelity simulations, and complex operations workflows for both the Blue Ghost lunar lander and the Elytra orbital vehicle. You will receive direct mentorship from Mission Operations Engineers, gaining the technical proficiency and operational mindset necessary to build a strong professional foundation for a potential full‑time role in the field.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and test flight procedures and operational checklists for spacecraft missions.
• Prepare and validate simulation runs and mission rehearsals by supporting ground system configuration, scenario and automation validation, and nominal/anomaly injection execution.
• Work on ground system tasks, such as requirements verification, test plan development, and workflow documentation.
• Engage and contribute in team meetings and briefings to learn how mission operations decisions are made.
• Own the development of focused projects and tools that help the team and systems prepare for flight operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Must be currently enrolled in either a BS or MS program (or a recent graduate) at an accredited four-year university or college.
• Interest in spacecraft operations, ground control systems, or simulation environments.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
• Comfortable working in Linux/command-line environments.
• Able to follow structured processes and work collaboratively.

Desired:

• Experience with CubeSat or small satellite projects.
• Exposure to ground systems, simulators, or mission operations tools.
• Familiarity with scripting, automation, or documentation tools

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.