HITL Engineering Intern Fall 2026

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

As a HITL Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, CA, you will have the opportunity to support the deliverables to HITL stakeholders in our Space Systems organization. The HITL team is responsible for designing, building, maintaining, and operating Hardware In The Loop (HITL). As an intern, you will 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.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in an engineering, physics or math 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 September 8, 2026.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees 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).
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering.
• Knowledge of Mechatronics.
• Python Experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the deliverables to HITL stakeholders in our Space Systems organization.
• Design, build, maintain, and operate Hardware In The Loop (HITL).
• 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.
• Company equity.
• 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