HITL 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 HITL Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, CA, you will have the opportunity to support the deliverables to HITL stakeholders in our Space Systems organization. The HITL team is responsible for designing, building, maintaining, and operating Hardware In The Loop (HITL).

• As an intern, you will work closely with your mentor and other employees within the department to apply your knowledge and grow your skills both technically and professionally
• 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

• 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 (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering
• Knowledge of Mechatronics
• Python Experience

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning September 8, 2026.

• Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at  This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be…