Internship - Mission Operations (Spacecraft) - Spring 2027

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is offering an internship focused on spacecraft mission operations. You will work on the development of Mission Operations Center ground segment test plans, flight procedures, and high-fidelity simulations for both the Blue Ghost lunar lander and Elytra orbital vehicle.

You will receive mentorship from Mission Operations Engineers, gaining hands-on experience with ground systems, automation validation, and workflow documentation while exploring a potential path to a full-time

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in 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.

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.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Linux/command-line

Structured processes

Education

BS or MS in progress or recent graduate

Tools

Scripting

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.

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.