HITL Engineering Intern Summer 2027

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Health benefits

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab's HITL Engineering Internship in Long Beach, CA offers hands-on work with real hardware, debugging, and structured mentoring. The role emphasizes collaboration across teams and learning through technical challenges, with a 12-week, on-site commitment beginning May or June 2027.

Ideal interns are enrolled in engineering/physics/math programs, have a GPA of 3.0+, and have at least 3 months of applied engineering experience.

Qualifications

• 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)

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

Skills

Applied engineering experience

Strong debugging

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Engineering/Physics/Math

GPA 3.0+

1 semester remaining post internship

Tools

Python

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 HITL Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, CA, you will have the opportunity to support the team with hands‑on interaction with real hardware, incomplete specifications, and failures that require structured debugging and engineering judgment. The HITL team is responsible for designing, building, maintaining, and operating Hardware In The Loop (HITL) systems and automation tools.

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)
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering
• Knowledge of Mechatronics
• Python 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 rate 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), 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