Flight Software Intern Summer 2027

rocketlab; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Stock options / ESPP

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

RRSP retirement plan

Paid vacation, holidays, and sickleave

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Littleton, Colorado, is seeking a Flight Software Intern to join the MAX Flight Software team. You will assist in designing and testing flight software and gain hands-on experience working with emulated hardware under a mentor.

This 12-week on-site internship requires enrollment in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate program in CS/CE/SE or related field, a GPA of 3.0+, and 3+ months of applied engineering experience.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree program in Computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering, electrical engineering or related field and have at least one semester of school remaining post internship
• GPA 3.0 or above requirement for eligibility
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and testing flight software with a mentor
• Work with a fast-paced group to apply engineering concepts to real challenges
• Attend frequent 1:1s with mentors and supervisors to facilitate success and learning

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python

Rust

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in CS/CE/SE or related

Tools

Git

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 a Flight Software Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, Colorado, you will have the opportunity to support the MAX Flight Software team in designing and testing flight software. This includes the opportunity to enhance your testing abilities against emulated hardware.

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 Computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering, electrical engineering or related field 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)
• Programming experience in C, C++, Python, Rust
• Experience with Git

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 CO: $27.00 USD Hourly

You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Ontario Pay Transparency Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; RRSP retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (Ontario Only)

$27 - $27 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 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), 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. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the app