Propulsion Intern Fall 2026

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Flexible spending accounts

Discounts on employee stock purchase program

Onsite gym

Job summary

Rocketlab in Long Beach, CA, seeks a Propulsion Intern to join a multidisciplinary team. You will be involved in designing and building satellite systems and engine architecture. The role offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally and technically, collaborating with experienced colleagues.

The ideal candidate is a student in engineering or related fields, with at least a 3.0 GPA, eager to solve real challenges and learn in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree program in engineering, physics or math.
• GPA of 3.0 or above is required.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with mentors to grow technical and professional skills.
• Collaborate with a team to solve real engineering challenges.
• Attend frequent 1:1s with mentors for guidance and progress updates.

Skills

Engineering principles

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Python

Education

Enrolled in an engineering, physics, or math discipline

GPA of 3.0 or above

Tools

Siemens NX

ANSYS Workbench

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.

Propulsion Intern – Long Beach, CA

As a Propulsion Intern at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a multidisciplinary propulsion team that is responsible for designing and building our satellite systems and the architecture of our engine development, testing, performance, and operation.

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 1:1s 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.

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).
• 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).
• Hands on testing experience.
• Heat transfer and/or fluid experience.
• High pressure system experience.
• Integration experience.
• Liquid rocket engine experience.
• GSE experience.
• Python experience.
• Siemens NX and ANSYS Workbench experience.

Compensation and Other Benefits

• Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly (Base Pay Range (CA Only): $28 - $28 USD).
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.
• Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

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.

ITAR and Security Requirements

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.

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.