Ground Systems Engineering Intern

About Rocket Lab

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

The Role

As a Ground Systems Engineering Intern at Rocket Lab's Stennis, Mississippi site, you will support the Test Ground Systems team. The team provides the Archimedes engine with everything it needs for testing, along with the instrumentation, controls, and automation needed to capture data that accelerates the Neutron Program.

The Ground Systems team is an integral part of testing. Its work ranges from designing and building new stands and capabilities to keeping existing stands running smoothly day to day. Each day brings new challenges and chances to grow and contribute to the mission.

What You'll Do

• Work closely with your mentor and other department employees to apply your knowledge and build technical and professional skills.
• Work with a fast-paced group of professionals to apply engineering and industry concepts to real challenges.
• Attend frequent 1:1 meetings with mentors and supervisors to support your success and learning, and provide progress updates.
• Take part in tech talks and network with other interns and employees at social and professional events.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates thrive in ambiguity and enjoy working on small, high-performing teams focused on continued learning and growth. Success in this role 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.

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal or team project experience counts).
• Experience with SolidWorks and MATLAB.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience.
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) experience.
• Lathe machining experience.
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) experience.
• Python and C++ experience.
• Experience working with pressurized systems.
• Proficient knowledge of fluid dynamics.

Additional Requirements and Benefits

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2027.
• May be eligible for a stipend to help cover relocation costs.

What to Expect

Rocket Lab's people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. The team has each other's backs, sets egos aside, and gets hands-on with every task big and small. The team thrives under pressure and tight deadlines, and focuses on how to deliver rather than on the obstacles in the way.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It 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 characteristic protected by law.