Internship - Propulsion Engineering - Spring 2027

Firefly Aerospace; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace is offering year‑round internship opportunities in Texas for aspiring engineers to support Responsible Engineers across the design, sizing, testing, and data review of propulsion and spacecraft systems.

Ideal candidates are undergraduates or graduates with knowledge in propulsion engineering, thermal, structural, and fluid analysis, and a hands‑on fabrication background. The role emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and multi‑disciplinary teamwork.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field.
• Strong fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluid analysis are required.
• Hands‑on fabrication experience with common tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative design concepts for propulsion and spacecraft programs.
• Apply engineering principles to solve technically challenging problems in internship focus area.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Structural analysis

Fluid analysis

Mechanical engineering

Education

Mechanical/Aerospace engineering

Tools

Power tools

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

Firefly has year-round engineering-focused internship opportunities for our locations in Texas. Both current undergrads and new graduates are encouraged to apply. As a Firefly Intern, you will support Responsible Engineers through all stages of component and system design, including preliminary concept, sizing, material testing, detail design, architecture layout, drawing creation, manufacturing, testing, and data review. Ideal candidates will have knowledge in Propulsion Engineering across mechanical, fluid, and thermal. You will have the opportunity to gain experience developing novel solutions for challenging problems, which you will be responsible for completing. These positions require high levels of creativity, flexibility, and collaboration. The ability to communicate effectively within a multi‑disciplinary and multi‑cultural group is an absolute must.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop new innovative design concepts for solving real problems related to our launch vehicle and spacecraft programs
• Use engineering principles and fundamentals to provide novel solutions for technically challenging problems in the Internship focus area of Materials & Process Engineering.

PAST INTERN PROJECTS

• Designed a fluid system to sample exhaust gases from a tap‑off engine
• Created an Alpha vehicle fluid systems model for analysis of pressure drop in propellant and press systems
• Designed and fabricated engine tooling still being used today – from turbomachinery to HEX tooling
• Responsible for the design of a development heatsink chamber for a hypergolic RCS thruster
• Ownership of the diffuser for vacuum nozzle testing from analysis, trade studies, and design reviews
• Designed the iteration of a critical engine main valve targeting improved external sealing capabilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluid analysis
• Current undergraduate or graduate student earning a degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
• We value diversity of thought, so varied perspectives & backgrounds strengthen our team
• Demonstrated drive to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary
• Hands‑on fabrication experience using common power tools for projects at work/home/school
• Ability to work occasional night shifts
• Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with technicians, other engineers, and managers

EXPORT COMPLIANCE

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.

EEO/DIVERSITY STATEMENT

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.