Mechanical Engineering Intern Fall

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 to 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 have the opportunity to 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 the department to apply your knowledge and grow your technical and professional skills.
• Work with a fast‑paced group of professionals 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).

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (NX & Teamcenter) for designing and modeling mechanical components.
• Finite Element Analysis experience (ANSYS, Simcenter3D, FEMAP/NASTRAN).
• 3D printing experience.
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing machining experience.
• Lathe machining experience.
• Familiarity with spacecraft design principles.
• Familiarity with harnesses with space flight hardware.

• Able 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.
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.

$28 – $28 USD

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small.

We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on…