Mechanical Engineering Intern Fall 2026

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 40,115,712 - 52,899,840; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern at its Long Beach, California site. This role involves supporting the design and integration of spacecraft hardware while working with multidisciplinary engineering teams. You will gain practical hands-on experience and guidance from mentors.

The ideal candidate is enrolled in an engineering program, has a GPA of 3.0 or above, and must possess at least 3 months of applied engineering experience. This internship offers an hourly pay of CA $28.00 and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must have at least one semester remaining in degree program after internship.
• GPA of 3.0 or above required.
• Three months of applied engineering experience is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, and integration of spacecraft hardware.
• Contribute to concept creation and hardware build/test campaigns.
• Attend meetings with mentors for progress updates.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Technical skills

Project work

CAD/CAM software proficiency

Finite Element Analysis experience

Education

Enrollment in engineering, physics, or mathematics program

Tools

ANSYS

Teamcenter

FEMAP

Job description

About Rocket Lab

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. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable ambitious space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads and related components, including spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Internship Summary

As a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Rocket Lab’s Long Beach, California site, you will support the design, development, and integration of spacecraft hardware and flight harnessing across our Space Systems programs. You’ll contribute to concept creation, hardware build and test campaigns, and the delivery of fully qualified components, working with multidisciplinary engineering teams from early design through spacecraft integration.

What You’ll Do

• Work closely with a mentor and department peers to apply engineering knowledge and grow technical and professional skills.
• Contribute to the team’s fast‑paced projects, applying engineering concepts to solve real challenges.
• Attend frequent 1:1 meetings with mentors and supervisors to facilitate success and learning while providing progress updates.
• Participate in tech talks and network with interns and employees through social and professional events.

Required Qualifications

• Enrollment in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral program in engineering, physics or mathematics with at least one semester remaining after the internship.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Three (3) months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory or project work).
• Full‑time, on‑site availability for at least 12 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026.

Nice to Have

• GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Six (6) months of applied engineering experience.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (NX & Teamcenter) for mechanical component design and modeling.
• Finite Element Analysis experience (ANSYS, Simcenter3D, FEMAP, NASTRAN).
• 3D printing experience.
• Experience with geometric dimensioning & tolerancing machining, Lathe machining, and spacecraft design principles.
• Familiarity with harnesses for space flight hardware.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly pay: CA $28.00 USD.
• Potential relocation stipend.
• Access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, HSA, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, disability and life insurance, and equity opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected characteristics. Requests for reasonable accommodations during the application process may be directed to the designated contact listed in the original posting.

Eligibility Note for U.S. Offices

Due to U.S. export regulations, employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or as otherwise permitted under ITAR. All other applicants will be screened for eligibility before offers are made.