Engineering Intern - Fall

Engineering Intern

Summary

This position is working on-site in our Cocoa, Florida location as an Engineering Intern from September 3, 2025, until December 19, 2025, on a part-time basis.

You will be part of a team of driven and enthusiastic professionals working to revolutionize access to space. Vaya Space is a purpose driven, sustainability focused, and environmentally conscious enterprise dedicated to making a difference for humankind. Vaya's unique vortex-hybrid rocket is projected to disrupt the market, fueled by recycled thermoplastics, it utilizes the equivalent of 2 million discarded plastic bottles per launch. Our breakthrough and patented technologies overcome the safety, affordability, and sustainability issues to transform the space industry, making the world and space a better place.

We are looking for interns in multiple engineering disciplines, including aerospace, mechanical, testing, electrical, guidance navigation and control, and systems engineering.

To be successful, it is vital that you are comfortable working in a fast-paced and often uncertain environment, collaborating to develop innovative solutions in all areas, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. A willingness to branch outside your comfort zone is essential were a small fast paced company and everyone pitches in when needed.

Travel Required

0%

Required Security Clearance

None (ITAR Eligible)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(Duties and responsibilities which occupy a major portion of time and importance in the job. Incumbent(s) perform one or more of the following duties.)

• Work in teams and individually in the research, prototype development, and testing (analytical and experimental) of hybrid rocket engines and/or space launch vehicle sub-systems.
• Support hybrid rocket engine component and assembly design.
• Analyze component and engine/component test data and support subsequent data reviews.
• Assist in detailed analysis of launch vehicle sub-systems and individual components and provide recommendations for correction or improvement.
• Support configuration design studies and development of prototype systems.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the rocket engine design cycle including trade studies, design and analysis, production, assembly, test support and data review.
• Demonstrated familiarity with data analysis and data processing.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering standards and technical requirements and apply configuration management procedures.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary.
• US Person as defined in 22 CFR Part 120.15 (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and those given asylum in the United States, and temporary residents granted amnesty) since work includes ITAR controlled technical data.

Preferred Skills and Education

• Strong technical fundamentals in the design of space launch vehicles/vehicle subsystems including one or more of the following: propulsion, structures, fluids systems, guidance navigation and control, avionics, power systems, thermodynamics, and/or systems engineering.
• Working knowledge of hybrid rocket engine design and function.
• Familiarity with handling cryogenic liquids a plus.
• Familiar with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Familiar with MATLAB or similar software.
• Familiar with LabView or similar software.