All across America, space companies open up a variety of internships—engineering, software, avionics, and research, just to name a few. Students can get hands-on experience at NASA centers, private aerospace firms, and commercial space startups all over the country.
Mechanical engineering probably takes the top spot for space internships in the U.S. These roles focus on spacecraft design, propulsion, and structural parts that make space missions happen.
Companies like Sierra Space let interns work right alongside flight hardware. Students design parts with CAD software and jump into testing for spacecraft like Dream Chaser.
Test engineering internships throw students into the thick of spacecraft verification. They run vibration tests, look at thermal performance, and check how systems fit together on real space vehicles.
Systems engineering roles teach students how spacecraft components actually interact. Interns need to understand both the technical details and some project management basics.
Most companies want students who’ve finished at least sophomore year in engineering. They usually look for a 3.0 GPA or higher and some kind of leadership experience—clubs, research, something that stands out.
Software engineering internships in space focus on flight control, mission planning, and the ground software that keeps everything running. You’ll need Python skills for almost all of them.
NASA Johnson Space Center brings on interns to help build mission control apps. These tools let flight controllers keep an eye on systems and talk to astronauts.
Rocket Lab, on the commercial side, puts software interns to work automating launches. Students write code that runs rocket engines, guides the vehicle, and handles payload deployment.
Database management and cybersecurity are becoming bigger deals in space software. Interns learn how to protect mission data and keep the communication lines secure between ground and space.
Most of these roles require coursework in computer science or software engineering. If you’ve got experience with embedded systems or real-time software, you’re already ahead.
Avionics engineer internships blend electrical engineering with aerospace tech. These students design and test the electronics that run spacecraft.
They work on navigation computers, comms systems, and sensor packages. There’s a lot to learn about squeezing complex electronics into tight weight and power limits.
Flight control is a huge part of avionics internships. Interns help develop the computers and software that keep spacecraft stable and on track.
Some students focus on ground support equipment. They design electronics that test and monitor spacecraft before launch at places like Kennedy Space Center.
Electrical engineering students with classes in digital systems and control theory do well here. Circuit design and embedded programming experience also help a lot.
NASA centers offer research internships in planetary science, astrophysics, and Earth observation. Students get to join real scientific missions and pick up research skills along the way.
Earth science internships mean digging into satellite data to study climate, weather, and disasters. Interns use special software to process images and measurements from orbit.
Planetary science interns study Mars rover data, asteroid makeup, and lunar samples. They help scientists plan for future missions to these worlds.
Astrophysics internships focus on analyzing telescope data and modeling cosmic phenomena. Interns get to contribute to discoveries about galaxies, black holes, and exoplanets.
Most research spots go to students with strong backgrounds in physics, astronomy, geology, or atmospheric science. Grad students and advanced undergrads with research chops usually get first pick.
The space industry’s internship scene stretches across government agencies and private companies. Programs cover everything from classic aerospace engineering to the wild world of commercial spaceflight.
Interns get their hands dirty with rocket design, mission planning, and building new space tech.
NASA runs the country’s biggest space internship program through its Office of STEM Engagement. Every year, they offer over 2,000 internships at centers across the U.S.
Application Timeline and Requirements
NASA takes applications three times a year. Spring 2026 applications close September 12, 2025, and summer 2026 closes February 27, 2026.
You’ll need at least a 3.0 GPA and must be enrolled full-time. High schoolers up through grad students can apply, and NASA even brings in non-STEM majors for some business roles.
Program Structure
Most NASA internships run weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interns work right alongside scientists and engineers on active missions.
Most positions come with a paid stipend that depends on your academic level. Students can go full- or part-time at different NASA facilities.
SpaceX keeps its internship program rolling all year. Interns jump into rocket development and mission operations.
Technical Focus Areas
SpaceX puts interns on propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft manufacturing teams. You might end up working on Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, or even Starship.
The company looks for top engineering students who can contribute to real missions. Interns often join in on launches and testing.
Competitive Selection Process
SpaceX is known for being extremely selective. They want students with solid technical backgrounds and hands-on experience.
Rocket Lab offers internships in small satellite launches and spacecraft development. The company’s all about making space more accessible for commercial and government customers.
Interns learn about rocket manufacturing, mission planning, and launch ops. The Electron rocket program gives students a shot at propulsion and flight systems.
Rocket Lab runs launch sites in the U.S. and abroad. Interns get to work on cutting-edge tech for sending small payloads to orbit.
Sierra Space takes on college interns for commercial space station and cargo spacecraft projects. Students help build the future of living and working in low Earth orbit.
Private Industry Growth
More aerospace companies now have structured internship programs. Boeing, Blue Origin, and The Aerospace Corporation all offer spots in spacecraft design and tech development.
These firms work on NASA contracts and commercial space projects. Students see both government and private sector space work up close.
Emerging Opportunities
Companies like Redwire and Axiom Space bring interns into space manufacturing and commercial station development. These roles focus on next-gen space infrastructure.
Private firms often assign interns to more specialized projects. Students get to work directly on new space tech and business operations.
Space internships don’t just fall into your lap—you’ve got to prep and pay attention to deadlines. Students need to meet academic and citizenship requirements, and their applications should show off both technical skills and real excitement for space.
NASA internships set pretty strict eligibility standards that shift a bit by program. OSTEM wants a 3.0 GPA minimum, while Pathways takes students with 2.9 GPAs. You need to be at least 16 by your start date.
Most NASA gigs require U.S. citizenship due to security rules. International students can only join through specific agreements—ESA, JAXA, and CSA partnerships are a few options.
Academic prerequisites include:
If you’re studying engineering, computer science, physics, astronomy, or earth science, you’re in a good spot. High schoolers up to PhD students can apply, but grad students get access to more advanced research.
Everyone goes through a background check before starting. They’ll look at your personal history, finances, and character references. Security clearance depends on the project—some are public trust, others top secret.
NASA’s got three main application cycles each year. Spring 2026 wraps up on September 12, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET). Summer 2026 ends February 27, 2026, and Fall 2026 closes May 22, 2026.
You only need one application for multiple NASA positions through their STEM Gateway. The system automatically considers you for roles at different centers—no extra paperwork needed.
Private space companies have different schedules. Rocket Lab posts internships all year on their site. Sierra Space and others usually recruit for summer between January and March.
Timing tips:
Setting up a profile on USAJobs.gov before deadlines can help. You can build out your resume and get alerts for new openings. Honestly, starting months ahead is pretty much required if you want a shot.
A strong application shows off your technical chops and real passion for space. Your resume should highlight classes, research, and hands-on experience—think CubeSats, robotics, or aerospace projects.
Transcripts should show steady performance in STEM classes. Committees look for tough courses in physics, math, and engineering. Any research experience, even as an undergrad, really helps you stand out.
Boost your application by:
Faculty references from aerospace programs carry a lot of weight. Professors who can speak to your research skills and work ethic make the best recommenders.
You’ll probably face assessment questionnaires testing your problem-solving and technical know-how. Review basic aerospace ideas, orbital mechanics, and current missions before you apply. For some roles, you might even have a panel interview with NASA staff to see if you fit the team.
Space interns need solid technical skills in mechanical engineering and CAD to design spacecraft parts. Programming—especially Python—helps you analyze mission data and automate systems. You’ll need to understand avionics when working on navigation and communication equipment.
Space interns get their hands on spacecraft hardware and propulsion systems. They design pieces for satellites, rovers, and crew vehicles using industry-standard software.
CAD Software Mastery
Most companies want you to know SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX. Interns build 3D models of rocket parts, solar panels, and structures. They also create technical drawings for the manufacturing teams.
Materials Knowledge
Space is tough on materials. Interns learn about titanium for rocket nozzles, carbon fiber for satellites, and thermal protection stuff. They look at how extreme temperatures and radiation affect everything.
Manufacturing Processes
Knowing how parts are made helps interns design smarter. They get exposure to 3D printing, CNC machining, and welding for spacecraft. Sometimes, interns even work alongside technicians building flight hardware.
Programming makes a huge difference for space interns. Python is everywhere for data analysis at NASA and in private space.
Python Applications
Interns use Python to process telemetry from missions. They write scripts for orbital mechanics, and visualize trajectories. Libraries like NumPy and Matplotlib help them handle big datasets from Mars rovers and telescopes.
Additional Languages
C++ is still used for real-time spacecraft systems. MATLAB comes up for simulations and modeling. Some internships want LabVIEW for test equipment and hardware control.
Data Analysis Skills
Interns sift through mission data to spot trends and oddities. They process images from space, temperature readings, and comms logs. Good statistical chops help them draw real conclusions from the data.
Modern spacecraft depend on advanced electronics for navigation, communication, and control. Space interns get to work right alongside these essential avionics systems.
Navigation Systems
GPS acts differently once you leave Earth’s surface. Interns dive into inertial navigation systems, star trackers, and gyroscopes—these keep spacecraft pointing the right way. They also look at how Mars missions adapt when GPS signals just don’t reach that far.
Communication Equipment
Spacecraft must stay in touch with ground control. Interns get their hands on radio frequency systems, antenna design, and signal processing tools. They see how deep space missions manage to send signals back home using powerful high-gain antennas.
Flight Control Systems
Automated systems handle attitude control, orbital maneuvers, and landing. Interns learn how flight computers crunch sensor data and send out commands. They spend time with simulation software to test these systems before anyone even thinks about launching.
Students can track down space internship openings through job boards, company sites, and professional networks. These platforms connect hopefuls with spots at NASA, private aerospace companies, and space startups all over the country.
Specialized space job boards pack together aerospace internship listings. The National Space Internship program by SWFT lets students fill out one form and get into the running at several companies at once.
LinkedIn, believe it or not, hosts over 315 aerospace engineering internship postings in the U.S. New positions from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing pop up daily. Setting up alerts for keywords like “space internship” or “aerospace intern” helps students catch new openings right away.
USAJobs.gov posts federal space internships at NASA centers across the nation. The Pathways Internship Program shows up there pretty often. Students can filter by location—think Kennedy Space Center in Florida or Johnson Space Center in Texas.
Big aerospace companies keep internship listings on their careers pages. Sierra Space, for example, posts all available internships with details at sierraspace.com/careers, covering places like Louisville and Centennial in Colorado, Madison in Wisconsin, and Durham in North Carolina.
Rocket Lab updates their careers page with internships worldwide, and over 80% of their interns end up getting full-time offers. NASA centers like Goddard Space Flight Center share spring, fall, and summer internships directly on their own sites.
Students should bookmark the careers pages of their top-choice companies. SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Northrop Grumman post new internships regularly. Applying directly often means a faster review than going through third-party boards.
Professional aerospace organizations help students meet folks already working in the field. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics runs career fairs with space employers, giving students a chance to chat with recruiters and hear about upcoming cycles.
University career centers keep close ties with aerospace companies. Some schools even have specific aerospace career counselors who get internship news before it goes public. Registering with career services early can make a big difference.
Space conferences and industry events offer prime networking. Companies often announce new internship programs at these gatherings. Students can reach out to current interns on LinkedIn to get the inside scoop on applying and what it’s really like at these companies.
Avionics internships drop students right into flight control systems, navigation hardware, and the electronics that run space missions. These programs match students with top aerospace companies and NASA centers, where they build skills in system integration, programming, and hardware testing.
Avionics engineer interns get hands-on with flight-critical systems that keep spacecraft running. They help design electronic control units, test communication gear, and program flight computers.
On a typical day, they might run diagnostics on navigation equipment or update software for guidance systems. Interns often use CAD tools to sketch circuit boards and draft technical drawings for new parts.
Programming comes into play, too. Interns write Python scripts to analyze telemetry or automate test routines. Many also dabble in embedded C++ that runs on flight computers.
System integration projects teach interns how to connect different avionics modules and check for proper communication. They join hardware-in-the-loop simulations to see how systems react to flight scenarios.
Quality assurance tasks include documenting tests and spotting possible system failures. Interns learn the strict standards and safety rules required for human spaceflight.
NASA Johnson Space Center interns help upgrade International Space Station communication and work on Artemis navigation systems. They test new radio hardware and update flight software for lunar missions.
SpaceX interns pitch in on Dragon capsule avionics and Starship flight controls. They help design backup systems that keep crews safe during launch and reentry.
Blue Origin gives interns a shot at New Shepard’s autonomous flight systems and guidance computers. Projects include sensor integration and building better flight path algorithms.
Rocket Lab interns support Neutron vehicle development by testing electromechanical parts for the Archimedes engine. They focus on control systems that manage engine performance in flight.
Virgin Galactic interns work on SpaceShipTwo’s hybrid control systems. They help with cockpit displays and automated safety features for suborbital flights.
| Company | Location | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| NASA JSC | Houston, TX | Human spaceflight systems |
| SpaceX | Hawthorne, CA | Commercial crew vehicles |
| Blue Origin | Kent, WA | Suborbital tourism craft |
| Rocket Lab | Long Beach, CA | Small satellite launchers |
| Virgin Galactic | Mojave, CA | Space tourism vehicles |
Panasonic Avionics specializes in satellite communication and wireless cabin tech for commercial spacecraft. Their interns work on passenger entertainment and crew communication systems.
Avionica focuses on aviation safety equipment like data recorders and flight deck solutions. Interns learn about certification for human-rated spacecraft.
Airbus offers roles in engineering teams working on crew transport systems. Projects range from designing single components to integrating entire vehicles.
Boeing brings interns into Starliner development and International Space Station operations. Students work on docking systems and life support controls to keep astronauts safe.
Mechanical engineering interns tackle satellite structures, thermal systems, and mechanisms that make space missions possible. These programs emphasize hands-on design with CAD software and building hardware prototypes.
Space companies assign mechanical interns to design satellite frames and thermal management systems. At Cesium, interns develop satellite parts and test thermal solutions that protect equipment from space’s wild temperatures.
Interns build mechanisms like deployment systems, robotic arms, and docking interfaces. At Turion Space, interns work on DROID satellite designs and test mechanisms before launch. Sierra Space lets interns design parts for Dream Chaser and space station modules.
Prototype building is a big part of these roles. Space Kinetic interns build and test early propulsion systems and structural parts. They create test fixtures, run vibration tests, and see how materials react to simulated space conditions.
Manufacturing support gives interns a look at space-grade production. They learn specialty welding, precision machining, and quality checks needed for hardware that can’t be fixed once it’s in orbit.
CAD software is everywhere in space mechanical engineering. SolidWorks and CATIA are the main tools for making 3D models of spacecraft and satellites. Interns pick up advanced modeling, assembly, and simulation skills.
Finite element analysis software predicts how structures will handle launch and space. Programs like ANSYS and Nastran let interns test designs virtually, which helps avoid expensive mistakes.
Manufacturing software connects the digital designs to real-world machines. Interns use CAM tools to make CNC machine paths and program inspection equipment. These skills help turn ideas into finished hardware.
Thermal analysis tools model temperature swings across spacecraft. Interns use these to design cooling systems that handle the vacuum of space and constant sunlight.
Mechanical teams usually split up by subsystem. Structure teams handle frames, solar panel mounts, and launch interfaces. Thermal teams design radiators, heat pipes, and insulation.
Senior engineers mentor interns and make big design calls. Project engineers keep different subsystem teams coordinated and ensure everything fits together. Manufacturing engineers guide the move from design to actual production.
Daily work is all about cross-team collaboration. Mechanical interns join design reviews with electrical, systems, and test engineers. They show off CAD models, explain choices, and take in feedback from all sides.
Documentation teams help by tracking designs and test plans. Interns learn to make technical drawings, write test reports, and log design changes. This paperwork is crucial for flight certification down the road.
Space internships usually pay well—think $25-40 per hour. Most programs also help with housing and offer professional development opportunities. These roles open doors to full-time aerospace careers through hands-on experience and industry networking.
Most big aerospace companies pay their interns to bring in the best candidates. SpaceX offers $25-40 per hour depending on your background and the job. NASA internships through the Office of STEM Engagement pay competitively, too.
Engineering interns at Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin see similar rates. Students in aerospace engineering or other STEM fields count on these paid gigs to cover living costs during the internship.
Government agencies usually keep up with private sector pay. NASA makes sure its interns earn fair wages while working on real missions. This paid setup helps students who can’t afford to work unpaid.
Many space companies know interns need to move for these jobs. SpaceX helps with housing for those at remote sites like Cape Canaveral or Vandenberg. Companies often offer subsidized housing or stipends.
NASA centers sometimes partner with local universities for dorm-style housing. Some programs toss in meal plans or food allowances. Travel help can cover moving costs for those coming from far away.
Remote sites tend to offer the most housing support. Launch and test facilities realize they need to draw talent from across the country. This support makes sure qualified students aren’t kept out by costs.
Space internships often lead straight to full-time jobs. SpaceX, for example, hires lots of former interns into entry-level roles. Interns learn the company culture and tech inside and out—something outside candidates just can’t match.
Professional development includes talks from company leaders and mentorship programs. Interns get a peek at cutting-edge tech and project management used in real spaceflight. That experience means a lot when applying elsewhere.
Networking stretches beyond the host company. Interns meet suppliers, contractors, and government folks working on space projects. These connections can lead to jobs at NASA, defense contractors, or new startups down the road.
Space internship opportunities in the U.S. tend to cluster in three regions. California stands out with aerospace giants and innovative startups. Texas leads the way in human spaceflight operations. The East Coast anchors government programs and key launch sites.
California draws the largest cluster of space companies in the country. SpaceX runs several facilities here, offering internships in rocket design, satellites, and mission operations.
At the Hawthorne headquarters, interns actually get their hands on Falcon 9 and Starship programs. They help build spacecraft systems that send astronauts to the International Space Station.
Major California Space Employers:
A lot of California’s internships revolve around commercial space technology. Students learn about satellite manufacturing, rocket propulsion, and planning space missions.
Startups in Silicon Valley—like Planet Labs and Astra—bring a different flavor to internships. They blend classic aerospace with the fast pace of modern software development.
Texas sits at the heart of America’s human spaceflight operations. NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston offers the most sought-after government internships through the Pathways program.
JSC interns step into Mission Control and support live space station operations. Since 1965, this facility has managed human spaceflight missions.
Students join astronaut training and spacecraft development projects. Many get to work on Artemis moon mission planning or Mars research.
Key Texas Space Locations:
Private companies have big footprints in Texas, too. SpaceX tests Starship prototypes in Boca Chica, where interns help with next-gen spacecraft.
The East Coast mixes government programs with commercial launches. NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida leads the country’s launch efforts and offers broad internship options.
Students work right next to NASA engineers prepping rockets for launch. KSC interns get to know Space Launch System rockets and Orion spacecraft inside and out.
Virginia Space runs internships at Wallops Island spaceport. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport launches cargo to the space station.
East Coast Space Centers:
Plenty of East Coast internships focus on satellite tech and space science. Students pitch in on Earth observation and deep space research.
Defense companies like Raytheon and General Dynamics hire interns for military space programs. These roles let students work on satellite communications and missile defense.
Major aerospace companies such as United Launch Alliance and Boeing’s UL division create most space internships through partnerships with NASA and universities. Schools across the U.S. team up with these contractors to put students in launch facilities and mission control. Professional space organizations connect interns to mentors and networking events that can shape careers.
United Launch Alliance is America’s primary heavy-lift launch provider. They launch Atlas V and Delta IV rockets from Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. ULA works with universities like University of Colorado Boulder and University of Alabama in Huntsville to find engineering interns.
Students dive into mission planning software and rocket assembly. Interns get rare access to classified launch operations and satellite deployment. ULA places interns at manufacturing sites in Alabama and Colorado.
Boeing’s UL division focuses on spacecraft systems and crew capsules. This team offers internships on Starliner spacecraft operations. Students join crew training simulations and help test life support systems.
NASA Johnson Space Center teams up with Texas A&M and Rice University for Mission Control internships. Students work right alongside flight controllers during International Space Station operations. The partnership gives them access to astronaut training and simulators.
New York Space Grant Consortium links students with Lockheed Martin and Moog for satellite internships. These positions focus on spacecraft guidance and communications. Students work in upstate New York and often need security clearances.
North Carolina Space Grant partners with research groups for hands-on spacecraft projects. Eight students landed internship awards for summer 2025. They’ll work on lunar mission planning and Mars rover tech.
Space Foundation runs government relations internships in Washington DC. Interns research space policy and attend Congressional hearings on NASA funding. The program includes mentorship from aerospace lobbyists and defense contractors.
Brooke Owens Fellowship offers paid internships for women at aerospace companies. The program partners with SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic for technical roles. Students work on rocket engines and spacecraft testing.
Space Talent acts as a diversity advisor for big aerospace employers. They connect underrepresented students with internships at defense and commercial space companies.
The space industry keeps growing, with new companies launching every year and more focus on building diverse talent pipelines. These changes open up more ways for students to break into space careers through specialized internships.
New space companies are popping up everywhere, creating thousands of internships across the U.S. Space Workforce 2030 is a coalition of top companies promising to hire at least 3,000 interns by 2030.
Commercial space ventures need fresh minds for rocket propulsion, satellite design, and mission operations. Companies like Sierra Space and Chimera Rocket Labs now run structured internships where students work on real spacecraft.
Startups often give interns more hands-on tasks than the big aerospace players. You might help build CubeSats, test rocket engines, or develop space tourism systems. They welcome students from all backgrounds, not just the usual engineering crowd.
The commercial space world creates opportunities in places you might not expect. Students studying business, communications, or law can land internships supporting space missions. The field is opening up in all sorts of directions.
Space industry leaders know that 78% of executives believe diversity is key for future success. Organizations like SWFT pledge to support nontraditional pathways for underrepresented groups in technical careers.
Companies now recruit interns from community colleges, historically black colleges, and schools with diverse student bodies. These programs usually include mentorship, skills training, and clear paths to full-time jobs after graduation.
Space Interns keeps a database designed to boost access and diversity in aerospace. It helps students find opportunities they might not otherwise see.
Many space companies now offer paid internships with housing help, making these roles available to students from all economic backgrounds. They’re finally recognizing that financial barriers have kept too many out of the field.
Students aiming for space careers often have questions about applying for internships, eligibility, and opportunities at big aerospace names like NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.
Students apply through NASA’s official USAJOBS website for most permanent internships. The Pathways Program gives current students paid work experience with a shot at long-term employment.
NASA also runs seasonal internships at intern.nasa.gov that line up with academic calendars. These usually last 10 weeks in summer or 16 weeks during fall and spring.
Applicants can’t just send in a resume without an active job posting. It’s smart to set up saved searches on USAJOBS for alerts when new positions open.
The agency requires US citizenship for most roles. NASA doesn’t allow artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in application responses and considers that plagiarism.
Hiring managers make decisions 45 to 60 days after deadlines close. Qualified candidates get interview requests during this window.
SpaceX offers competitive internships for students in engineering, business, and technical fields. The company usually opens applications in the fall for the next year.
Students apply directly on SpaceX’s careers website. The process involves submitting transcripts, resumes, and technical assessments for engineering spots.
SpaceX internships typically last 12 weeks in summer. The company offers housing help for interns relocating to California and Texas.
Competition is fierce, with thousands of applicants for a handful of spots. Having a strong STEM background and real project experience really helps.
Blue Origin offers internships in propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, and flight operations. Programs target students in aerospace, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
They offer both undergrad and grad roles at sites in Washington, Texas, Florida, and Alabama. Internship lengths run 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the program.
Students apply via Blue Origin’s careers portal during recruiting seasons. The company looks for candidates with solid technical skills and a real passion for space.
Blue Origin puts interns on real spacecraft projects. Many have worked on New Shepard upgrades or New Glenn rocket development.
International students face big hurdles in landing US space internships due to federal rules. NASA requires US citizenship for most positions and can’t hire international students for almost all roles.
Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin usually limit positions to US citizens because of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). These laws restrict foreign nationals’ access to sensitive tech.
Some aerospace suppliers and research institutions offer spots on non-ITAR projects. Universities with space programs sometimes have research roles for international grad students.
International students might want to gain experience with their home country’s space agencies or look into permanent residency before applying to major US companies.
High school students can apply for NASA internships through the Office of Education. These programs target students interested in STEM and show them real aerospace work.
Most require students to be at least 16 and have strong grades in math and science. Some roles ask for a minimum GPA, usually between 3.0 and 3.5.
Applicants need to show genuine interest in space—through classes, clubs, or projects. Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors really help.
NASA’s high school internships usually include mentorship and career guidance. Programs run 8 to 10 weeks in summer, with some part-time options during the school year.
Boeing runs a wide range of internship programs across its defense, space, and commercial aviation teams.
You’ll find roles at places like Kennedy Space Center, Huntsville, and El Segundo, where interns get hands-on with space systems.
Lockheed Martin’s Space division brings in interns for satellite tech, deep space exploration, and missile defense work.
Most programs last around 10 to 12 weeks, and there’s a chance you could get a return offer if things go well.
Northrop Grumman hires interns in areas like spacecraft manufacturing, propulsion, and mission ops.
They look for students in engineering, computer science, and business from all over the country.
Virgin Galactic has a handful of internships focused on suborbital spaceflight and developing new vehicles.
Honestly, these spots are pretty tough to land—they want folks with aerospace engineering chops and some flight test experience.
Raytheon Technologies’ aerospace division also offers internships, mostly on propulsion systems and spacecraft parts.
Interns there get to see both commercial and government space projects up close.
