Structural Analysis Internship

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 Structural Analysis Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will support the Structural Analysis Team in performing detailed simulations and physics-based analysis, and support vehicle design and analysis activities. The team is responsible for analysis, design validation, and future improvements of our suite of Space Systems and Space Components.

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.

You'll Bring These Qualifications

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

• 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 is applicable).

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable).
• Experience using CAD/CAM.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software experience.
• Statics and Dynamics experience.
• Siemens NX 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 our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with significant HSA company 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) retirement 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 more. Eligibility may vary based on employment status.

What to Expect

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. 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 focus on how we can deliver.

Important information: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (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 and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected].