Ground Systems Engineering Intern Summer 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 Support Equipment engineering team designs and manufactures production, test, and transport equipment for Neutron build and operation. Based at Rocket Lab’s Middle River, Maryland site, the intern will support the team in designing, building, and implementing large tooling, fixtures, and custom lift equipment for Neutron prototype and production work.

The intern will work with a mentor and departmental employees to apply engineering knowledge, develop technical and professional skills, and solve real engineering challenges. The role includes regular mentor and supervisor check-ins, progress updates, tech talks, and opportunities to connect with other interns and employees at social and professional events. The internship requires full-time, on-site work for at least 12 consecutive weeks beginning in May or June 2027.

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 is applicable.
• Be able to work full-time on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in May or June 2027.
• Thrive in ambiguity and be excited to work in small, high-performing teams focused on learning and growth.
• Be able 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 is applicable.
• Experience with SolidWorks, Siemens NX, 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 with a mentor and department employees to apply engineering knowledge and develop technical and professional skills.
• Apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challenges with a fast-paced group of professionals.
• Attend regular one-on-one meetings with mentors and supervisors, share progress updates, and support learning and success.
• Participate in tech talks and social and professional networking events with interns and employees.

Benefits

• Potential stipend to subsidize relocation costs.
• Company equity may be available.
• Medical coverage options including HMO, PPO, and a company-sponsored HSA plan.
• 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