Ground Systems Engineering Intern Spring 2027

Rocket Lab Corporation • Middle River, MD

3d • 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, supporting the team that designs, builds, and implements 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 to support Neutron build and operation.

The intern will work closely with a mentor and department employees to apply engineering knowledge and develop technical and professional skills. The role includes collaborating with a fast-paced group to solve real engineering challenges, attending regular one-on-ones with mentors and supervisors to share progress and support learning, and participating 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, with at least one semester 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 are applicable.
• Be able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning in January, February, or March 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 are applicable.
• 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 challenges with a fast-paced group of professionals.
• 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 events with other interns and employees.

Benefits

• Potential stipend to subsidize relocation costs.
• Company equity.
• Medical HMO, PPO, and a company-sponsored medical 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