Mechanical Engineering Intern Fall

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will support the design, development, and integration of spacecraft hardware and flight harnessing across our Space Systems programs. You’ll contribute to concept creation, hardware build and test campaigns, and the delivery of fully qualified components for integration. This internship provides hands‑on experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and owning work from early design through spacecraft integration.

• Work closely with your mentor and department teammates to apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challenges.
• Attend frequent 1:1s with mentors and supervisors to facilitate success and learning while providing progress updates.
• Enjoy tech talks and network with other interns and employees through social and professional events.

Ideal candidates will thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in small, high‑performing teams that are focused on continued learning and growth. Success in this position will be measured by the knowledge and experience you bring to the role, your ability to lead development projects without supervision, and your ability to successfully collaborate across teams to deliver results.

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree program in an engineering, physics or math discipline and have at least one semester of school remaining post‑internship.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable).

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience.
• Proficient in computer‑aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software (NX & Teamcenter) for designing and modeling mechanical components.
• 3D printing experience.
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing machining experience.
• Lathes machining experience.
• Familiarity with spacecraft design principles.
• Familiarity with harnesses with space flight hardware.

Ability to work full‑time, on‑site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026.

• Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly.
• May be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.
• Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  
  Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $28 – $28 USD

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits…