Mechanical Engineering Intern Spring 2027

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the team as they develop new concepts and hardware, build and test our designs to ensure they will stand up to the extreme space environments, and ultimately deliver our fully tested hardware to the spacecraft integration team. You’ll contribute to improving our capabilities by supporting the development of the next generation of high performing spacecraft.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in an Aerospace, Aeronautical, Astronautical, or Mechanical engineering 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 January, February, or March 2027.
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).
Proficient in Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/ CAM) software (NX & Teamcenter) for designing and modeling mechanical components.
Finite Element Analysis experience (ANSYS, Simcenter 3D, FEMAP/NASTRAN).
3D printing experience.
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing machining experience.
Lathe machining experience.
Familiarity with spacecraft design principles.

Responsibilities

Support the team as they develop new concepts and hardware.
Build and test designs to ensure they will stand up to extreme space environments.
Deliver fully tested hardware to the spacecraft integration team.
Contribute to improving capabilities by supporting the development of the next generation of high performing spacecraft.
Apply knowledge and grow skills both technically and professionally.
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.
Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock).
Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution).
Dental and vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability and life insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers (where available).
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on our popular merch store.
Variety of other employee discounts.