Combustion Devices Intern Fall 2026

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Combustion Devices Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the team in designing, analyzing and testing combustion devices, as well as gain experience with GD&T drafting and data processing and testing. This team is responsible for the design and development of the boost and vacuum thrust chamber assemblies, vacuum nozzle extension and pre-burner within our engine program.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in an aeronautical, astronautical or aerospace engineering 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).
• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) drafting experience.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience.
• Experience with programs such as: ANSYS, MATLAB, Siemens NX.
• Propulsion experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the team in designing, analyzing and testing combustion devices.
• Gain experience with GD&T drafting and data processing and testing.
• 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 1:1’s 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.

Benefits

• Stipend to subsidize relocation costs
• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
• Dental and vision coverage
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
• Paid parental leave
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym
• Food and drinks
• Other discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern