Manufacturing Engineering 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 Manufacturing Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Middle River, Maryland, you will support the Manufacturing Team in manufacturing the stages for Neutron. Rocket Lab's Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door.

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

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 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).

Nice to Have

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable).
• Fabrication experience.
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) experience.
• 3D printing experience.
• Robotics experience.
• Knowledge of industrial processes.
• Exposure to composite materials.

Additional Requirements

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning January, February, or March 2027.

Compensation and Other Benefits

• Pay range MD: $25.00 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 job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including top-tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include discounted employee stock purchase program and free snacks/drinks onsite. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change.

What to Expect

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.