At Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) we have one goal: create low-cost, flexible and reliable access to space. We specialize in the creation of small launcher solutions designed for deploying satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond. Together with you, we want to revolutionize space services and help enhance life on Earth. Sounds interesting? Then join our journey and be part of the team leading the New Space movement in Europe!
About the Team
Our Flight Safety team is seeking a motivated intern for a minimum 5-month mandatory university placement (40+ hours/week) to support the integration of machine learning into our operational workflows. This is a highly data-centric role focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of a robust data infrastructure capable of storing and processing large volumes of time-series data including rocket and debris trajectories.
In addition to raw trajectory data, the datasets include a wide range of derived and interrelated quantities: trajectory metadata, fragment properties, and safety-relevant metrics. Ensuring consistent data management, efficient storage, and reliable access is critical both for downstream machine learning models and for integration with other engineering tools. A solid understanding of the underlying physics of trajectories is highly desirable, as it enables the development of meaningful, physically informed features for ML applications.
Your Tasks
Manage and optimize a hybrid database system for scalable storage and efficient querying of large-scale time-series data
Configure and run data generation and processing pipelines using CI/CD practices
Extend and maintain software systems that interface with other departments, ensuring data consistency and interoperability
Pre-process, analyse, and post-process complex simulation outputs, including trajectory and fragmentation data
Design and implement machine learning models to optimize parameters affecting flight safety and operations
Visualize complex, multi-dimensional datasets using clear, intuitive, and interactive plots with proficiency in Matplotlib, Seaborn, or Plotly as a strong advantage
Your Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a university program for the duration of the internship
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent; or 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree
Strong proficiency in Python and associated data science libraries
Demonstrated experience (through coursework, research, or extracurricular projects) with large datasets, including experience in HDF5, Parquet, or Feather for efficient storage and I/O
Experience using SQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) for managing structured, relational data including schema design, query optimization, and integration with data pipelines
Fluent in written and spoken English as all day-to-day activities and documentation are conducted in English.
Highly motivated to independently learn about the following (if no prior experience):
o Creating dockerfiles and managing docker services with docker-compose
o Setting up CI/CD jobs using gitlab’s YAML syntax
o Optimization of data storage formats for size and/or read speeds
o Linux server management – configuration files, cron jobs, performance monitoring
We offer
Atmosphere: Experience life in an international & dynamic New Space start-up
Flexibility: Fit your working schedule to your needs with flexible working hours
Health: Sweat, stretch or squat it out with EGYM Wellpass
Paid Time Off: 20 days annual leave and special leave days
RFA Family: Join regular company and team events
Parking: Free parking for car and bike
Insights
Ready to take the next step?
This is the perfect opportunity to take on an exciting new challenge and be part of the leading private company in the new European space race. You'll get to work with over 300 employees from more than 44 countries and have the opportunity to accelerate your professional and personal development.
If you're looking for an environment where you can grow, take ownership and help shape the future of launch technology, we’d love to hear from you.
Ready to make history with us?
🚀 Apply now — we’re excited to receive your application in German or English!