Thermal Engineering Intern Spring 2027

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Thermal Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you’ll join a team that supports the entire lifecycle of spacecraft production, from conception through flight. This team serves as subject matter experts on thermal engineering for the rest of the company and its subsidiaries and will occasionally support thermal teams on the launch services side. Thermal engineers have close coordination with other disciplines, like GNC and mechanical, and requires taking on a lot of cross functional training in order how to deliver the most efficient thermal solution possible. 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 January, February, or March 2027

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or above
6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
Thermal engineering experience
Experience using CAD/CAM
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) machining experience
Experience using a lathe machine

Responsibilities

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

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