2026 Engineering Internship Programs in Florida
Florida's aerospace, defense, and technology sectors create diverse engineering internship opportunities. Programs across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg offer experience in software development, systems engineering, civil engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Engineering in Florida
Florida's engineering strengths center on aerospace and defense along the Space Coast, with Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and Northrop Grumman operating major facilities near Cape Canaveral. NASA's Kennedy Space Center offers unique internships supporting launch operations. Orlando's simulation and training industry (the modeling and simulation capital of the world) adds specialized software engineering roles. South Florida contributes a growing tech startup ecosystem.
Market Highlights
- ●Florida's aerospace and defense sector employs 80,000+ engineers, concentrated on the Space Coast
- ●Orlando hosts the world's largest cluster of simulation and training companies, employing 30,000+ professionals
- ●NASA Kennedy Space Center hosts 200+ engineering interns annually supporting Artemis and commercial launch programs
Employment Type: Internship
Education: Bachelor's degree (in progress or completed)
Experience: Entry-level / No prior experience required
Posted: February 2026
Apply By: December 31, 2026
Eligibility
- ✓Currently enrolled students or graduates from accredited U.S. universities (Class of 2024-2027)
- ✓Authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa)
- ✓Strong academic record with demonstrated interest in engineering
- ✓Willingness to work on-site in Florida or relocate with assistance
Top Engineering Employers in Florida
Lockheed Martin (Orlando)
L3Harris Technologies (Melbourne)
Northrop Grumman (Melbourne)
NASA Kennedy Space Center (Merritt Island)
Magic Leap (Plantation)
Available Locations in Florida
Miami
FL
Orlando
FL
Tampa
FL
Jacksonville
FL
Fort Lauderdale
FL
St. Petersburg
FL
Boca Raton
FL
West Palm Beach
FL
Tallahassee
FL
Gainesville
FL
Many programs offer relocation flexibility. If you don't see your preferred city listed, apply through PropelGrad and our recruiters will help match you with the right location.
Application Process
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Frequently Asked Questions: Engineering Internships in Florida
What is the average engineering intern salary in Florida?
Engineering interns in Florida earn $22-$35 per hour. Defense contractors (Lockheed, L3Harris, Northrop) and NASA programs pay at the higher end. Software engineering at Miami/Fort Lauderdale tech companies averages $25-$32/hr. Florida's no state income tax increases effective compensation.
Can I intern at NASA in Florida?
Yes. NASA's Pathways Program and OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) offer engineering internships at Kennedy Space Center supporting launch operations, payload integration, and ground systems. Applications open twice yearly and are competitive — a 3.0+ GPA and U.S. citizenship are typically required.
What engineering disciplines are strongest on Florida's Space Coast?
Aerospace engineering, systems engineering, software engineering for real-time mission systems, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering dominate. The unique combination of NASA, defense contractors, and commercial space companies (SpaceX launches from Cape Canaveral) creates internship experiences unavailable anywhere else.