Propulsion Intern

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 Propulsion Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the development and operation of the Archimedes engine for the Neutron launch vehicle.

You’lljoin ateamthat owns the high-level engine architecture, performance and manage subsystem details and work across all the Neutron development teams, Stennis testing teams, and vehicle operations teams.

• 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 solvereal challenges
• Attend frequent 1:1’s with mentors and supervisors tofacilitatesuccess 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'sor doctorate degree program in an Aerospace, Aeronautical, Astronautical, or Mechanical engineering 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 in Siemens NX, ANSYS Workbench
• Knowledge of heat transfer
• Knowledge of Fluid Mechanics
• Fluid dynamic sand fluid systems experience
• Fluid systems experience
• Experience with liquid rocket engines
• Python experience

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning January, February, or March 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

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 the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Learn more about ITAR here.

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,…