Ground Systems Engineering Intern Spring 2027

Rocket Lab • Middle River, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Ground Systems Engineering Intern will be based at Rocket Lab’s site in Middle River, Maryland, and support the team designing, building, and implementing large tooling, fixtures, and custom lift equipment for Neutron prototype and production work. The Ground Support Equipment engineering team designs and manufactures production, test, and transport equipment supporting Neutron build and operation.

The intern will work closely with a mentor and other department employees to apply engineering knowledge and develop technical and professional skills. They will work with engineering professionals to apply engineering and industry concepts to real challenges, participate in regular mentor and supervisor meetings to share progress and support learning, and take part in technical talks and intern and employee events.

Requirements

• Be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree program in an engineering discipline such as Manufacturing, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Have at least one semester of school remaining after the internship.
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Have at least 3 months of applied engineering experience; internship, laboratory, and personal or team project experience counts.
• Be able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in January, February, or March 2027.
• Thrive in ambiguity and be eager to work in small, high-performing teams focused on continued learning and growth.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead development projects without supervision and collaborate across teams to deliver results.

Nice To Haves

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• At least 6 months of applied engineering experience; internship, laboratory, and personal or team project experience counts.
• Experience with Solidworks, SiemensNX, Creo, or Catia.
• Experience working with hand tools.
• Familiarity with structural analysis.
• Familiarity with assembling mechanical structures.
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, build, and implementation of large tooling, fixtures, and custom lift equipment for Neutron prototype and production work.
• Work closely with a mentor and department employees to apply engineering knowledge and develop technical and professional skills.
• Apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real-world challenges.
• Attend regular one-on-one meetings with mentors and supervisors, facilitate learning, and provide progress updates.
• Participate in technical talks and social and professional events with interns and employees.

Benefits

• Possible stipend to subsidize relocation costs.
• Company equity may be available.
• Medical coverage, including HMO, PPO, and a company-sponsored HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Three weeks of paid vacation and five days of sick leave per year.
• Eleven 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.
• Free snacks and drinks onsite.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed