Launch Site Development Intern

Job Description

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a rapidly growing space and defense technology company dedicated to enabling humanity’s access to space. We are at the forefront of the industry, empowering our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As a trusted partner for critical space missions, Firefly holds unique distinctions: we are 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 comprehensive offerings include advanced launch vehicles, sophisticated lunar landers, and innovative orbital vehicles, providing government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in North Austin, Texas, Firefly is actively seeking passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and contribute to our successful trajectory into the future of space exploration.

Summary: Launch Site Development Intern

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Launch Site Development Intern to play a crucial role in the design and development of our critical launch infrastructure and ground support equipment. This dynamic internship offers invaluable hands-on exposure to the intricate world of launch site systems engineering, structural design principles, and collaborative teamwork within a fast-paced aerospace environment. The ideal candidate will be actively pursuing an engineering degree and possess a strong, demonstrable interest in launch operations, ground systems, and cutting-edge spaceflight infrastructure. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world projects that are essential for successful space missions.

Responsibilities

As a Launch Site Development Intern, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional engineering stakeholders (e.g., structural, fluid, electrical engineers) to effectively gather, analyze, and precisely document design requirements for the Alpha Deployable Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL).
• Provide essential support in the consolidation of diverse system requirements and innovative design concepts, translating them into an initial structural design for the TEL using industry-standard CAD tools.
• Assist in the development of detailed layouts, sophisticated 3D models, and preliminary engineering analyses for various launch site components and critical ground support structures.
• Help prepare clear, concise technical documentation, impactful presentations, and comprehensive review materials specifically for the Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) of the Alpha Deployable TEL structure.
• Actively participate in crucial design reviews, engaging technical discussions, and insightful trade studies pertinent to the continuous development of our launch sites.
• Gain invaluable exposure to prevailing industry standards, rigorous safety considerations, and recognized best practices governing launch infrastructure and intricate ground systems.
• Perform additional engineering or documentation tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the team and projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• A basic, foundational understanding of structural design principles and core engineering fundamentals.
• Familiarity and practical experience with common CAD software packages (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar).
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively and clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively as an integral part of a dynamic team environment.

Desired

• Relevant coursework or practical experience related to structures, ground systems, launch operations, or fluid systems.
• Familiarity with structured design reviews (e.g., CoDR, PDR, CDR) or fundamental systems engineering concepts.
• Experience working with engineering requirements or configuration-controlled documentation.
• A genuine and strong interest in launch site operations and advanced 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.