Test Engineering Intern - Manufacturing

Test Engineering Intern - Manufacturing Spring 2027

Long Beach, CA

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 aTest Engineering Intern based  at Rocket Lab’s site inLong Beach, California,you will have the opportunity to support the team that designs, builds, and operates the test infrastructure that validatesourpropulsion and fluids systems and components from concept toflight.we provide end-to-end test engineering solutions—from custom test stand design and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) hardware and software development to orchestrating and conducting qualification campaigns and production testing—ensuring everycomponentmeets the rigorous demands of spaceflight.

• 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 discipline such as Aerospace, Mechanical or Robotics Engineering, or related 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 Ardinuo, Lab View, Solidworks, and MATLAB
• 3D Printing 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

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…