Mechanical 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, protect it, 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 Mechanical Engineering Intern at our Long Beach, California site, you will support the team in developing new concepts and hardware, building and testing designs to ensure they withstand extreme space environments, and delivering fully tested hardware to the spacecraft integration team. You'll contribute to improving our capabilities by supporting the development of next-generation high-performing spacecraft.

What You'll Get to Do

• Work closely with your mentor and other employees to apply your knowledge and grow your skills both technically and professionally.
• Collaborate with a fast-paced group of professionals to apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challenges.
• Attend frequent one-on-ones 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).
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (NX & Teamcenter) for designing and modeling mechanical components.
• Finite Element Analysis experience (ANSYS, Simcenter 3D, FEMAP/NASTRAN).
• 3D printing experience.
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing machining experience.
• Lathe machining experience.
• Familiarity with spacecraft design principles.

Additional Requirements

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

Compensation and Other Benefits

• 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 job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package, which includes our Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with significant HSA 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) 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 merch store, and other employee discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status; please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

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 challenges.

Important information: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process in the U.S. should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected]. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers, including nationality checks to ensure eligibility to access ITAR-regulated equipment and data.