Manufacturing Engineering Intern Fall 2026

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 25,200 - 30,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Robust benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Company equity options

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation is looking for a Manufacturing Engineering Intern for Fall 2026 in Long Beach, California. This role involves working with design and quality teams to develop processes for rocket engines, providing hands-on experience in aerospace manufacturing.

Applicants should be enrolled in an engineering or math degree program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This internship presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with seasoned professionals and gain insights into the aerospace industry.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program with at least one semester remaining after the internship.
• GPA of 3.0 or above is required.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience is needed.

Responsibilities

• Work with design, production, and quality teams to develop and qualify processes for rocket engines.
• Applies engineering concepts to solve real challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Attend frequent 1:1s with mentors to facilitate learning and progress.

Skills

Engineering concepts

Collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or math discipline

Tools

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Job description

Manufacturing Engineering Intern Fall 2026

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will work with the design, production, and quality teams to develop and qualify processes to make rocket engines. The Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door.

What you’ll get to do

• Work closely with a mentor and department employees to apply knowledge and grow 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 1:1s 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.

Required Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in an engineering, physics, or math discipline with at least one semester of school remaining after the internship.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, or personal/team projects).
• Experience collaborating across teams to deliver results.

Nice to Have

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience.
• Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD).
• Experience with mills, lathes, and powered equipment.

Additional Requirements

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026.

Compensation and Other Benefits

Pay Range (CA): $28.00 USD per hour.

You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.

Base salary is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Employees may receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including:
Medical (HMO, PPO), HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other 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.

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.

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 application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.