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Rocket Propulsion Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Design Engineer, SMS

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$105K - $132K/yr

Relevant experience with rocket motors, solid propulsion elements, and structural interfaces ... Classification: Full-time Exempt Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for ...

Relevant experience with rocket motors, solid propulsion elements, and structural interfaces ... Classification: Full-time Exempt Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for ...

Relevant experience with rocket motors, solid propulsion elements, and structural interfaces ... Classification: Full-time Exempt Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for ...

Design Engineer II, SMS

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

Relevant experience with rocket motors, solid propulsion elements, and structural interfaces ... Classification: Full-time Exempt Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for ...

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Rocket Propulsion Internship information

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$11

$19

$29

How much do rocket propulsion internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for rocket propulsion internship in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rocket propulsion internship?

A Rocket Propulsion Internship is a hands-on learning experience where students or recent graduates work with engineers and scientists to design, analyze, and test rocket propulsion systems. Interns may assist in research, data analysis, hardware testing, or software simulations for propulsion technologies such as liquid, solid, or hybrid rocket engines. This role provides practical exposure to industry-standard tools and processes used in aerospace engineering. Typically, interns work at aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions. It is an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience and build a foundation for a career in rocket propulsion.

What types of hands-on projects or tasks can rocket propulsion interns expect to work on?

As a Rocket Propulsion Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of hands-on tasks such as testing rocket engines, collecting and analyzing propulsion data, assembling lab components, and developing test procedures. Interns may also participate in design reviews, troubleshoot experimental setups, and help document test results for engineering teams. The work environment is highly collaborative, and you’ll frequently work alongside experienced engineers, learning both the technical and safety aspects crucial to propulsion testing. These real-world experiences provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities, setting the stage for a successful career in aerospace engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the rocket propulsion internship position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rocket Propulsion Intern, you need a solid foundation in aerospace or mechanical engineering principles, along with coursework in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. Experience with simulation tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, or SolidWorks, and familiarity with laboratory safety protocols are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills will help you stand out. These competencies ensure that interns can contribute meaningfully to technical projects and operate safely in a collaborative, fast-paced engineering environment.

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Infographic showing various Rocket Propulsion Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 58% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Sr. Propulsion Thermal Analyst (Raptor Combustion Devices)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SR. PROPULSION THERMAL ANALYST (RAPTOR COMBUSTION DEVICES)

The Propulsion Thermal Analyst role is responsible for ensuring the thermal reliability of Raptor components subject to extreme environments from liftoff to landing. These engineers possess an affinity for physics, thermodynamics, advanced computing, and unraveling intricate challenges associated with complex, high-performance hardware. You will drive analysis, design, testing, and development of hardware for the world's most advanced rocket engine powering Starship, the largest launch vehicle in history. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conduct, document, and present thermal analyses on Raptor hardware through FEA and first principles to inform design decisions and ensure reliability and performance requirements are met for all phases of flight
  • Own thermal design of Raptor hardware, from initial high-level analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests, flight, and orbital data
  • Collaborate with engineers and technicians across a range of disciplines including design, production, development test, launch, reliability and more to develop hardware that meets high-level engine and vehicle objectives
  • Take a practical, hands-on approach to model validation/verification, ensuring that model predictions are representative of design criteria and tied firmly to test data
  • Support ongoing design, manufacturing and reliability improvements to the engine, and ensure changes and new designs are properly analyzed and qualified

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, or physics
  • 4+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis (extracurricular and internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering, or physics
  • 6+ years of academic or professional experience related to thermal analysis
  • Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and post-processing
  • Experience with Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench
  • Experience with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks
  • Hands-on experience with rocket engines/motors, automotive engine design, dynamic or complex static fluid systems
  • Able to perform hand calculations to validate and improve models
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Willingness to travel on occasion in support of testing
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical technical issues

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  

Pay range: 

Propulsion Analyst/Senior: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/per year 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. 

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. 


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US