Avionics Engineering Intern Summer 2027

rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Stock Purchase Program

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

EV charging subsidy

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted merch

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks an Avionics Engineering Intern to join our Long Beach team for a 12-week, on-site program. You will contribute to avionics hardware development, test campaigns, and production asset generation within the Archimedes/Flight Safety context.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in engineering/physics/math programs with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least 3 months of applied engineering experience; CAD/CAM, Python, and FEA knowledge are a plus. Relocation stipend may apply.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an engineering/physics/math degree program with at least one semester remaining after the internship.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internships or projects).

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering concepts to real challenges under mentorship.
• Attend frequent 1:1s with mentors and supervisors for progress updates.
• Engage with interns and employees through events and technical talks.

Skills

Applied engineering experience

Education

Enrollment in engineering/physics/math degree program (at least one semester remaining)

GPA 3.0+

Tools

CAD/CAM

Python

FEA

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

As an Avionics Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the future architecture of Avionics, performing hardware development for the next generation of electronics across the rocket, executing test campaigns to validate hardware, or generating new production assets to accelerate our rocket build rate. This team is a hardware development group within Neutron Avionics, focusing primarily on the Archimedes engine and destruct system hardware used within the Flight Safety System.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates will thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in small, high-performing teams that are focused on continued learning and growth. Success in this position will be measured by the knowledge and experience you bring to the role, your ability to lead development projects without supervision, and your ability to successfully collaborate across teams to deliver results.

• 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)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• GPA of 3.5 or above
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/ CAM) experience
• Python experience
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) experience
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience
• Experience with ANSYS, Siemens NX, and Altium
• Experience designing/buildling with electrical or electromechnical hardware

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2027

COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS

Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly

You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Hourly Pay Range (CA Only)

$28 - $28 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), ...