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, 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 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'll join a team that owns the high-level engine architecture, performance, and manages subsystem details, working across all the Neutron development teams, Stennis testing teams, and vehicle operations teams.

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 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 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).

Nice to Have Qualifications

• 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 dynamics and fluid systems experience.
• Experience with liquid rocket engines.
• Python experience.

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 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 an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program, top-tier medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending 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, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, and a 50% employee discount on our merch store. Eligibility may vary based on employment status.