Turbomachinery 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 Turbomachinery Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will participate in new development and maturing the design of turbopump assembly, supporting CAD and drawing updates, data review, and analysis activities. The Turbopump team is an integral part of the propulsion team and has full ownership of the design and test lifecycle for the LOX and fuel pump supplying the engines that will lift our latest rocket.

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

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 aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, thermal engineering, mechanical 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).

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 CAD/CAM (Solidworks, Catia, NX).
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing experience.
• Experience using software such as: ANSYS, Matlab, Python, or Solidworks.
• Proficient knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and turbomachinery.
• Aerodynamics and/or compressible flow experience.
• Hands-on work experience with hardware.
• Basic understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM).

Additional Requirements

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2027.

Compensation and Other Benefits

• Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly.
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.