Ground Systems Engineering Intern in Middle River, MD

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected and protected, and that extend humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The team moves fast, builds real hardware for meaningful missions, and makes the impossible routine.

As a Ground Systems Engineering Intern at Rocket Lab's site in Middle River, Maryland, you will support the team as it designs, builds, and implements large tooling, fixtures, and custom lift equipment for the prototype and production of Neutron. The Ground Support Equipment engineering team designs and manufactures production, test, and transport equipment for Neutron build and operation.

What You'll Do

• Work closely with your mentor and other department employees to apply your knowledge and grow your technical and professional skills.
• Work with a fast-paced group of professionals to apply engineering and industry concepts to real challenges.
• Attend frequent 1:1s with mentors and supervisors to support your success and learning while providing progress updates.
• Enjoy tech talks and network with other interns and employees through social and professional events.

What You'll Bring

Ideal candidates thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in small, high-performing teams focused on continued learning and growth. Success in this role is 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.

• Enrolled in a bachelor's, master's or doctorate program in an engineering discipline such as Manufacturing, Mechanical, Mechatronics or a related discipline, with at least one semester of school remaining after the internship.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal or team project experience counts).

Nice to Have

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal or team project experience counts).
• Experience with SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Creo, or CATIA.
• Experience working with hand tools.
• Familiarity with structural analysis.
• Familiarity with assembling mechanical structures.
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) experience.

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 rate in Maryland: $25.00 USD per hour.
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.

Base salary is one part of Rocket Lab's total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Eligibility may vary by employment status, so check with your recruiter for the full list.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

ITAR note: To meet U.S. Government space technology export regulations, US office employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.