Systems Engineering Intern Summer
Listed on 2026-09-14
-
Engineering
Electrical Engineering, Test Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics
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 aSystems
Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the Space Systems Division inthe development of the Assembly Integration and Test sequence.
The Systems engineeringteamact as the main communication node for design development and issue resolution on Rocket Lab's satellites.
- 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 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)
- Experience working with spacecraft hardware or test hardware
- Experience developing and running test scripts for space hardware
- Experience debugging hardware issues on development hardware
- 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
Hourly Pay Range (CA Only) $28 - $28 USD
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.
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 fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
WHAT TO EXPECTWe'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 the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S.…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).