Virginia Spaceport Authority Internship Opportunities

At the Virginia Spaceport Authority, we're focused on solving the challenges that guide our mission first, safety always approach to successfully supporting our clients. Whether it's preparing for a launch or working on our UAS runway, the Virginia Spaceport Authority offers challenging positions in a growing and cutting-edge environment.

Internship Program Summary

We are currently seeking qualified rising Seniors, and rising Juniors to join us in the business of launching rockets! You will have the unique opportunity to participate in an internship, at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) in Wallops Island, Virginia or in the World Trade Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Those selected for the program will gain valuable exposure to the day-to-day operations of a premier aerospace company. We are recruiting interns for a variety of positions including engineering, security, technology, accounting and finance and corporate buying. You will work with a highly experienced team, including thirty-year plus veterans of the Space Shuttle program and other industry leaders.

If selected for the internship, you will be assigned duties that are applicable to your degree and career goals. We are currently recruiting for interns interested in gaining experience in the following areas:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Logistics
  • Marketing
  • Electrical Systems (Power Distribution and Systems Engineering)
  • Hydraulic Systems
  • Communications and Video
  • Business Administration
  • Security
  • Environmental Control System (ECS)
  • Structures and Grounds
  • Safety and Quality Control
  • Pneumatic System Design and Fabrication
  • Change Management
Summer 2024 Internship

Now accepting internship applications!

All applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and any letters of recommendation you would like to include. Applicants must also be U.S. Citizens. Please include the following on your résumé:

  • Indicate your residency
  • Identify your degree program
  • Current GPA, relevant course work, and relevant experience
  • Indicate if you currently possess a Federal Security Clearance - Background checks will be verified

Wallops Island, VA

Design Engineering Intern
10/01/2023 - 03/31/2024
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We are currently seeking qualified rising graduates pursuing a higher education degree program to participate in our 11-week paid internship program. Design engineering intern will be partaking in designing and modeling of mechanical systems at the spaceport. Primarily focused on 3D modeling of the sites and interconnected pipe work. Job may ...

IT Intern
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The IT Intern will provide support for operations of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (Virginia Spaceport Authority). The IT Intern, working with Virginia Spaceport IT staff will provide assistance staff with access, tools and information needed to support operational processes and associated decision-making utilizing the systems...

Safety and Quality Intern
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This position is located within the Safety and Quality Department of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. The position supports safety and quality programs within a technical and operations environment related to Spaceport activities including rocket launch and unmanned aircraft systems, including support functions such as operations, engineering..

Logistics (Intern)
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Under direct supervision, this position is primarily responsible for compiling records concerned with ordering, receiving, storing, issuing, and shipping materials, supplies, and equipment.

Engineer I (Intern)
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Under supervision, with general direction and oversight, this position primarily supports the technical oversight of assigned engineered systems. Support areas include cryogenic, pneumatic, fuel, electrical, control, hydraulic, structural, HVAC, and water systems.

Technician I - Mechanical (Intern)
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A junior technician position that provides general mechanical services, including facility upgrades and improvements, maintenance, repairs, system operations support, field documentation support, and ground support equipment operations support.

HVAC Maintenance
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Maintenance HVAC worker performs routine and extensive preventative maintenance and repair procedures on HVAC systems in buildings, on launch pads, mechanical equipment, and utility systems.

Electrician
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Electrical Maintenance worker performs routine and extensive preventative maintenance and repair procedures on launch pads, buildings, mechanical equipment, and utility systems.

Norfolk, VA

Management Intern
Virginia Space Corporate Office - Norfolk, VA
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Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Deputy Executive Director, the management intern will provide professional-level staff assistance in strategy, operations, and financial work. Responsibilities will include project-based work and involvement with senior leadership personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the internship paid or unpaid?

Paid!

Our internships are paid, and we compensate based on experience and education.

Is housing provided?

Yes!

We do have limited housing opportunities for interns working in Wallops Island, Virginia.

What are the chances this internship will lead to a full time job?

Very high!

We love to hire interns after their internship is completed! Roughly 20% of our current workforce participated in our internship program.

What kind of responsibilities will I have?

It depends on what kind of internship you complete!

Regardless of what department you are in, you will not be given "busy work". Our internship experience is designed to be a fully immersive, hands on experience. If you work in our Norfolk office, you will have the opportunity to travel to the spaceport in Wallops Island once per week to tour our facilities. All interns will see at least one launch during their time with us!

Do I need a 4 year degree to work at Virginia Spaceport Authority

No!

We have many employees who do not have a traditional 4 year degree.

Where is MARS?

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport is located in Wallops Island, Virginia.

Does Virginia Spaceport Authority build rockets?

We don't build rockets, we launch them!

The Virginia Spaceport Authority manages several launchpads and oversee the launches of the Antares rockets that carry payloads to refuel the International Space Station, and several other launches throughout the year.

Is this a NASA internship?

No!

This internship is with the Virginia Spaceport Authority. We are a subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, not owned by NASA.  

Launch with the Virginia Spaceport Authority

We're ready and equipped to handle a variety of launch services to ensure mission success for you and your team.