Fluid Component 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, and 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.

Role Overview

As a Fluid Component Intern at our Long Beach, California site, you will support the Components team in designing second generation devices to achieve the next level of maturity and reliability for future missions. The Fluid Components team designs and manufactures valves and actuators that manage fluid handling on our oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine and medium-lift launch vehicle.

What You'll Get to Do

• 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 1:1s 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.

Qualifications You'll Bring

Ideal candidates will thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in small, high-performing teams focused on continued learning and growth. Success will be measured by the knowledge and experience you bring, your ability to lead development projects without supervision, and your ability to collaborate across teams to deliver results.

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree program in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Astronautical, or Mechanical Engineering, with 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 applicable).

Nice to Have Qualifications

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience applicable).
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
• CNC experience.
• 3D printing experience.
• Python experience.
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) experience.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience.
• Lathe experience.
• Knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, or physics.

Additional Requirements

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

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay range in California: $28.00 USD per hour.
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. Benefits include an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans, 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, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our merch store, and other employee discounts. Eligibility may vary based on employment status.