Turbomachinery Intern Summer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

As a Turbo machinery Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to participate in new development and maturing the design of turbopump assembly supporting CAD and drawing updates, data review, and analysis activities. The Turbopump team is an integral part of the propulsion team and has full ownership of the design and test lifecycle for the LOX and fuel pump supplying the engines that will lift our latest rocket.

• 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 1:1’s 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 aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, thermal engineering, mechanical engineering or physics 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)
• Experience with CAD/CAM (Solidworks, Catia, NX)
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing experience
• Experience using software such as: ANSYS, Matlab, Python, or Solidworks
• Proficient knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and turbo machinery
• Aerodynamics and/or compressible flow experience
• Hands‑on work experience with hardware
• Basic understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2027

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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite…