R&D Engineering Intern Fall 2026

Rocket Lab Corporation•Albuquerque, NM

8d•Onsite

About The Position

As an R&D Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to support the Cell Product team in evolving different technologies that can become production product lines. 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. You will work with a fast-paced group of professionals to apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challenges. You will attend frequent 1:1’s with mentors and supervisors to facilitate success and learning while providing progress updates. You will also 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 August or September 2026.
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).
Python experience.
Strong Excel experience.
Experience in hands‑on prototyping: soldering, wire splicing, laser cutting, dispensing, solar cell processing, or panel assembly.
Experience with robotic arms.
Experience with AI tools.
Knowledge of Ohm’s Law and fundamental solar cell behavior (I‑V curves, efficiency).
Knowledge of heat transfer principles (conductive and reactive).
Knowledge of circuits, semiconductor physics, or thermodynamics.

Responsibilities

Support the Cell Product team in evolving different technologies that can become production product lines.
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.