Internship Defect Analyst Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of 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 Texas locations. Both current undergraduates and new graduates are encouraged to apply.

As a Quality Engineering Intern, you will support the Quality team in ensuring flight hardware and production processes meet the highest standards of reliability, compliance, and performance. You will assist with issue investigations, non-conformance analysis, inspection activities, and process improvement initiatives across launch vehicle and spacecraft production.

This role provides hands-on exposure to aerospace manufacturing, inspection methodologies, root cause investigations, and quality management systems. Interns will work cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Test teams. They will complete a defined capstone project focused on improving product quality, inspection efficiency, or production metrics.

This position is located at our Production and Test facility north of Cedar Park in Briggs, TX.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Quality Engineers and Quality Specialists in investigating non-conformances and production quality issues
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
• Collect, track, and analyze production-quality data (first-pass yield, defect trends, rework drivers, etc.).
• Support development and updates to inspection plans, control plans, and quality documentation
• Participate in First Article Inspection activities and traceability documentation efforts
• Assist with inspection of mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical components as needed
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to improve product quality and manufacturability
• Support internal audits and compliance activities aligned with Firefly’s Quality Management System
• Contribute to Lean and 5S initiatives to improve workflow and inspection efficiency
• Complete an individual or team-based capstone project focused on measurable quality or process improvement
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Enrollment in or recent graduation from a BS or MS program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Strong interest in manufacturing quality, inspection, or aerospace production environments
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and GD&T
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to work cross-functionally and learn from experienced engineers and inspectors

• Prior internship, research, or student project team experience in manufacturing, quality, or design engineering
• Familiarity with quality tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, SPC, PFMEA, or corrective action processes
• Exposure to aerospace, automotive, or other regulated manufacturing environments
• Basic understanding of AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality standards
• Experience with data analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, Python, or similar)
• Familiarity with inspection equipment and metrology concepts

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, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a 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.