Fluid Component Intern Summer 2027

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical plans (HMO/PPO) with HSA

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Relocation stipend

Job summary

Rocket Lab is offering a Fluid Components Intern position at our Long Beach, CA site. You will assist in designing and maturing second generation devices for future missions, focusing on valves and actuators for fluid handling in our engines and launch vehicle.

You will work with a dynamic team, attend mentorship 1:1s, and participate in tech talks and networking events to accelerate growth and contribute to meaningful space hardware projects.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate engineering program and have at least one semester remaining post internship.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, lab, or project work) are applicable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Fluid Components team in designing second generation devices for future missions.
• Work with mentors to progress on development projects and provide regular updates.
• Collaborate across teams to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Independent work

Cross-team collaboration

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical/Mechanical Engineering

GPA 3.0+

One semester remaining post internship

Tools

CAD/CAM

CNC

3D printing

Python

GD&T

FEA

Lathe

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 Fluid Component Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the Components team in working to design second generation devices to achieve the next level of maturity and reliability for future missions. The Fluid Components team designs and manufactures valves and actuators which manage fluid handling on our oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine and medium-lift launch vehicle.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• 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 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)

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)


• CNC Experience


• 3D printing experience


• Python experience


• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) experience


• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience


• Lathe experience


• Knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science or physics

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.

• 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


• 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), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., cur