GNC Intern Summer 2027

Rocket Lab Corporation; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Stock incentives

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave

Paid parental leave

Other discounts and perks

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Littleton, Colorado invites applications for a GNC Intern to help develop or enhance GNC algorithms in flight software to meet mission requirements. You will collaborate with the Guidance, Navigation, and Control team across the engineering life cycle from concept to flight software.

The ideal candidate is pursuing an Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical or Mechanical Engineering degree with at least one semester remaining, a GPA of 3.0+, and 3+ months of applied

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree program in an Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and have at least one semester remaining post internship.
• GPA 3.0 or above.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, lab, or project work).

Responsibilities

• Support development or enhancement of GNC algorithms in flight software to meet mission requirements.
• Collaborate with the Guidance, Navigation, and Control team across the engineering lifecycle.
• Work with mentors and peers to apply engineering concepts and grow technically and professionally.

Education

Aerospace Engineering (Bachelors/Masters/PhD) with at least one semester remaining

Job description

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 GNC Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, Colorado, you will have the opportunity to support the team with developing or enhancing GNC algorithms in flight software to meet mission requirements. The Guidance, Navigation, and Control team works with all facets of the engineering life cycle: from spacecraft concept and algorithm development to flight software implementation.

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 Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related 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)
• Understanding of control systems
• Knowledge of simulation and analysis tools
• MATLAB experience

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: $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 Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work 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; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
• Base Pay Range (CO 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 on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.