Combustion Devices Intern Fall

About the Role

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company that offers responsive launch services and engineering services for spacecraft, payload, and satellite components. The Combustion Devices Intern will work in the Engine Program team located at Rocket Lab’s facility in Long Beach, California.

• Support the design, analysis, and testing of combustion devices.
• Perform GD&T drafting and data processing for engine components.
• Assist in the design and development of boost and vacuum thrust chamber assemblies, vacuum nozzle extensions, and pre‑burners.
• Apply engineering and industry concepts to solve technical challenges in a fast‑paced environment.

• Work closely with a mentor and cross‑functional teammates to grow your technical and professional skills.
• Attend regular one‑on‑one meetings with mentors and supervisors for progress updates.
• Participate in tech talks and network with interns and staff through social and professional events.

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program in aeronautical, astronautical, or aerospace engineering with at least one semester remaining.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• At least 3 months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, or personal/team projects).
• Strong ability to lead development projects independently and collaborate across teams.

• GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• At least 6 months of applied engineering experience.
• Experience with CAD/CAM tools.
• Experience with GD&T drafting.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Familiarity with ANSYS, MATLAB, or Siemens NX.

• Must be able to work full‑time, on‑site, for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in August or September 2026.

Hourly pay at $28.00 USD (California). Candidates may be eligible for relocation stipends. Total rewards include company equity, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 days of sick leave annually, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent‑care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Additional perks include an employee stock purchase program, subsidized electric‑vehicle charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other employee discounts.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise eligible for clearance under U.S. export regulations (ITAR).

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at  This service is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply or interview.