Ground Systems Engineering Intern Summer 2027

Rocket Lab Corporation • Middle River, MD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company that builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. Based at Rocket Lab’s site in Middle River, Maryland, the Ground Systems Engineering Intern will 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 for Neutron build and operation.

The intern will work closely with a mentor and other department employees to apply existing knowledge and develop technical and professional skills. The role includes working with engineering professionals to address real challenges, sharing progress in regular one-on-ones with mentors and supervisors, attending technical talks, and participating in social and professional events with other interns and employees.

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.

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 closely with a mentor and department employees to apply engineering knowledge and develop technical and professional skills.
• Work with a fast-paced engineering team to apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challenges.
• Attend frequent one-on-one meetings with mentors and supervisors, provide progress updates, and support learning and success.
• Participate in technical talks and social and professional networking events.

Benefits

• Potential 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.
• 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