Test Engineering 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 Test Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Wallops Island, Virginia, you will work alongside the flight operations crew and gain hands-on exposure to live test and launch operations. You will directly improve the tools and procedures that make those operations more efficient, repeatable, and safe. The Test and Launch Operations team is the crew directly responsible for launching Rocket Lab's Electron and Neutron vehicles and running the various test campaigns that feed into it.

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 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 engineering or physics 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).

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 with scripting or automation of sequences/processes.
• Proficient in Python.
• 3D Printing experience.
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) 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 VA: $25.00 USD Hourly.
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

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 the challenges that stand in the way.