Firefly Aerospace internships in 2026: Alpha, MLV, and engineering opportunities in Texas
Firefly Aerospace is one of the most active small launch vehicle companies in the United States, and its internship program gives undergraduate and graduate students direct access to flight hardware during one of the most exciting periods in the company's history. With the Alpha small launch vehicle flying regularly and the medium-lift MLV (Miranda) in active development, Firefly interns in 2026 are working on real rockets — not hypothetical designs. The company offers year-round internships at its facilities in the Cedar Park, Texas metro area, with the largest cohort in the summer.
This guide covers the internship program structure, available roles, what the work looks like, compensation, and how to apply.
About Firefly Aerospace
Firefly is headquartered in Cedar Park, Texas (north of Austin) with additional facilities in Briggs, Texas for vehicle integration and a launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The company's two main products:
Alpha: A two-stage small launch vehicle capable of placing up to 1,170 kg to low Earth orbit. Alpha completed its first successful orbital flight in 2023 and has conducted multiple missions since. Alpha uses four Reaver engines on the first stage and one Lightning engine on the upper stage, both burning liquid oxygen and RP-1 kerosene.
MLV (Miranda): A medium-lift vehicle designed to carry up to 16,000 kg to LEO. The MLV uses a first stage powered by seven Miranda engines and incorporates a reusable upper stage called Dark Comet. Firefly won a U.S. Space Force contract for MLV launches, accelerating its development timeline.
Firefly is a company of roughly 700–800 employees, which means interns get closer to flight hardware and senior engineers than they would at Boeing or Lockheed Martin. Interns frequently describe assembling actual rocket components, being in the test control room during engine firings, and interacting directly with the chief engineer or VP of engineering. The trade-off is less structure and fewer formal training programs compared to large aerospace companies. If you want to see how rockets are actually built, Firefly delivers that experience.
Available internship roles for Summer 2026
Firefly posts internships across multiple engineering and business disciplines. Based on current and recent listings, here are the types of roles available for Summer 2026:
| Department | Example Role | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Propulsion | Propulsion Engineering Intern | Fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, test data analysis |
| Vehicle Integration | Integration Engineering Intern | Assembly processes, torque specs, fit checks, system testing |
| Software | Software Engineering Intern | C/C++, Python, embedded systems, flight software |
| Systems Engineering | Systems Engineering Intern | Requirements management, interface control, V&V |
| Avionics | Avionics Engineering Intern | PCB design, harness routing, sensor integration |
| Structures | Structural Engineering Intern | FEA, composite layup, metallic structures |
| Test | Test Engineering Intern | Test procedure development, instrumentation, data reduction |
| Human Resources | HR Intern | Recruiting, onboarding, HRIS systems |
Vehicle Integration is the standout role. Integration engineering interns at Firefly's Briggs, TX facility work alongside engineers and technicians to physically assemble Alpha and MLV vehicles. You will handle flight hardware, participate in pressure checkouts, and witness avionics integration from piece parts through full system-level testing.
Compensation
Firefly pays its interns competitively for the small launch vehicle sector. Based on reported salary data from 2025–2026:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average hourly rate | ~$33/hr (varies by role and experience) |
| Weekly gross (40 hrs) | ~$1,320 |
| Summer total (12 weeks) | ~$15,800 |
| Housing assistance | Not provided (Austin area housing is the intern's responsibility) |
The hourly rate varies based on degree level, prior experience, and specific role. Engineering interns at the bachelor's level tend to earn $28–$35/hour, while graduate-level interns report rates closer to $35–$40/hour. Firefly does not currently provide housing assistance or relocation stipends for interns, so factor in Austin-area housing costs when evaluating the offer.
Cedar Park is approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Austin. Many Firefly interns find shared housing in Cedar Park, Round Rock, or north Austin for $800–$1,200/month. The University of Texas at Austin's off-campus housing resources can be useful even if you are not a UT student. Firefly's Briggs facility for vehicle integration is about 40 miles north of Cedar Park, so integration interns may want to look at housing in Leander, Liberty Hill, or Georgetown to reduce their commute.
What interns actually work on
Firefly gives interns substantive engineering work, not busywork. Here is what interns from recent cohorts have described:
Propulsion interns support hot-fire test campaigns for Reaver and Miranda engines at the McGregor, TX test site. Work includes test data reduction, propellant system fluid analysis, and supporting anomaly investigations when tests do not go as planned.
Software interns contribute to flight software, ground support software, or data pipeline tools. Flight software work involves C/C++ for embedded systems running on custom avionics boards. Ground support software uses Python for telemetry processing, launch sequencing, and vehicle health monitoring.
Integration interns at Briggs physically assemble rocket stages. You will torque bolts, route harnesses, install sensors, and verify assembly against drawings and work orders. This is the most hands-on internship role — you will have grease under your fingernails and a deep understanding of how a rocket comes together.
Systems engineering interns work on requirements decomposition, interface control documents, and verification matrices. You will participate in design reviews and gain exposure to how the entire vehicle comes together as a system.
Application process
Firefly posts internship positions on its careers page (fireflyspace.com/careers) and on job boards including Indeed, LinkedIn, and Handshake. The application process:
- Submit your resume through Firefly's applicant tracking system
- Phone screen (15–20 minutes) with HR covering your background, availability, and interests
- Technical interview (30–45 minutes) with an engineer from the relevant team, covering fundamentals and your project experience
- Offer decision within 1–2 weeks of the technical interview
What makes a strong applicant:
- Hands-on project experience (university rocketry clubs, Formula SAE, CubeSat programs)
- Relevant coursework in propulsion, structures, controls, or embedded systems
- A demonstrated interest in launch vehicles specifically, not just "space" generally
- Ability to start on time and work full-time on-site for the duration of the internship
Timing: Firefly hires for summer internships starting in late fall and continuing through early spring. Apply by January for the best chance at your preferred role.
Path to full-time employment
Firefly hires a meaningful percentage of its interns into full-time positions. The company is growing headcount to support MLV development and increasing Alpha launch cadence, which creates organic demand for junior engineers. Interns who demonstrate strong technical skills, reliability, and a willingness to work across disciplines have the best conversion prospects.
Entry-level engineering positions at Firefly typically pay $80,000–$100,000 depending on role and degree level, with equity (stock options) as part of the total compensation package. As a pre-IPO company, Firefly equity carries both upside potential and risk.
Browse Firefly Aerospace careers or explore other aerospace internships on Zero G Talent.
Frequently asked questions
Does Firefly offer internships outside of summer?
Yes. Firefly offers spring and fall internships in addition to summer, though the summer cohort is the largest. Spring and fall internships are typically 12–16 weeks and may be part-time for students balancing coursework. Propulsion and integration roles are available year-round because Firefly conducts engine tests and vehicle builds continuously.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to intern at Firefly?
For most engineering positions, yes. Firefly works on U.S. government contracts (Space Force, DARPA) and its launch vehicle technology is ITAR-controlled. This means most engineering internships require U.S. person status (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual). Some non-technical roles may be available to non-U.S. persons, but these are limited. Check the specific job listing for ITAR requirements.
How does a Firefly internship compare to a SpaceX internship?
Both companies offer hands-on launch vehicle experience, but the scale differs significantly. SpaceX employs over 13,000 people and hires hundreds of interns — you will be one of many. Firefly employs roughly 700–800 people and hires a smaller intern class — you will be more visible, have more direct access to senior engineers, and may touch a wider range of tasks. SpaceX offers higher prestige and slightly higher pay, while Firefly offers greater breadth of experience and personal impact. Both are strong resume entries.
What university programs does Firefly recruit from?
Firefly recruits from universities across the United States, with a particular focus on Texas schools due to proximity. The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Purdue, Georgia Tech, MIT, Caltech, and the University of Michigan are well-represented in Firefly's intern cohorts. However, Firefly evaluates candidates individually and does not restrict hiring to target schools. Students from smaller engineering programs who have strong hands-on project experience are competitive applicants.
Can I intern at Firefly more than once?
Yes. Firefly welcomes returning interns, and doing multiple internships strengthens your candidacy for full-time conversion. Some interns complete a summer internship, return for a fall or spring term, and then convert to full-time after graduation. Each subsequent internship typically comes with a higher hourly rate and more complex project assignments.
