Propulsion and Fluids Intern (Aerospace)

Location: Full-time, on-site in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA through December 2026. Fall intern program runs from September through December 2026. U.S. citizenship or qualifying U.S. person status is required for government contracts and ITAR compliance.

Salary: $28–$32 per hour. Relocation assistance or a housing stipend may be available depending on location and program duration.

Company

hirify.global develops autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors for space superiority and national security missions.

What you will do

• Support test setup, instrumentation installation, hardware integration, and ground support equipment configuration.
• Assist with propulsion and fluid systems testing, including pressure, leak, flow, and functional performance tests.
• Set up data acquisition systems, calibrate sensors, and check test instrumentation.
• Collect, organize, and perform preliminary analysis of pressure, temperature, flow, and performance data.
• Help prepare test procedures, work instructions, documentation, and reports.
• Participate in readiness reviews, safety briefings, post-test inspections, anomaly documentation, and equipment maintenance.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in aerospace, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles, test methods, and data analysis; coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or propulsion is beneficial.
• Strong interest in spacecraft propulsion, rocket engines, or fluid systems.
• Ability to follow written procedures, communicate effectively, collaborate, and work safely around test equipment.
• Willingness to work hands-on in a test facility, outdoors when required, and while wearing PPE.
• Must work full time, 40 hours per week, on-site in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA, and provide personal transportation.

Nice to have

• Junior or senior undergraduate or graduate-level engineering studies.
• Project or coursework experience with propulsion systems, rocket engines, fluid dynamics, pressure systems, or thermodynamic cycles.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, Excel, LabVIEW, CAD software, engineering drawings, or P&ID diagrams.
• Hands-on experience with pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters, student projects, rocketry clubs, competitions, or previous internships.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on exposure to the full propulsion and fluid systems test lifecycle.
• Mentorship from experienced propulsion and test engineers.
• Experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and ground support equipment.
• Opportunity to contribute to mission-critical hardware for national security space missions.
• Fast-paced startup environment with responsibility, ownership, and aerospace and defense networking opportunities.
• Potential for full-time employment after graduation based on performance and business needs.