Mission Operation Intern Fall 2026

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 31,822 - 45,323; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical HMO or PPO coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, California, seeks a Mission Operations Intern to enhance automation and DevOps capabilities for its spacecraft fleet. You will utilize tools like Python, Linux, and CI/CD while supporting diverse missions from LEO constellations to deep space explorations.

Students pursuing degrees in aerospace or related engineering fields are encouraged to apply, especially those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Rocket Lab offers a range of benefits including equity, medical coverage, and flexible work options.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a relevant degree program with at least one semester remaining.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Experience in applied engineering for 3+ months.

Responsibilities

• Accelerate automation and DevOps capabilities for spacecraft.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Support various missions from LEO constellations to deep space.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Linux

Git

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in relevant field

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 some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new 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, all 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.

MISSION OPERATIONS INTERN

As a Mission Operations Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will accelerate automation and DevOps capabilities that power Rocket Lab’s growing spacecraft fleet. You’ll work hands‑on with modern tools like Python, Linux, CI/CD, and HIL/SIL testing while supporting missions from LEO constellations to deep space exploration. Partnering closely with cross‑functional engineering teams, you’ll help enhance both ground and on‑orbit systems in a fast‑paced, vertically integrated environment. The Mission Operations intern will have the chance to contribute directly to mission success and spacecraft performance across all phases of flight.

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

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree program in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field 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).
• Proficiency in Python, Linux, and Git.
• Able to work full time, on‑site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026.

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).
• General understanding of spacecraft systems, operations, or mission workflows.
• Experience in AI/ML applications in software development or operations.
• Familiarity with testing frameworks that integrate software and hardware systems.

COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS

• Pay Range (CA): $28.00 USD Hourly.
• May be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.
• Access to company equity, medical HMO or PPO (100% company‑sponsored HSA plan option), dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 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, 401(k) with company match.
• Other perks include discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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.

US Office Eligibility

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, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Learning more about ITAR can be found on Rocket Lab’s website.

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.

New Zealand Office Eligibility

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, please review the ITAR Regulations resources.