Turbomachinery 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 (15%)

Medical plans (HMO/PPO)

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Turbomachinery Internship in Long Beach, CA offers hands-on experience in turbopump design, CAD updates, data review, and analysis within the propulsion team. You will work under mentorship to advance hardware for LOX and fuel pump systems used in our rockets, gaining exposure to the full design and test lifecycle.

The program emphasizes growth in small, high-performing teams, with structured learning, technical talks, and networking opportunities throughout the internship period,

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, thermal engineering, mechanical engineering or physics with at least one semester remaining.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internships, labs, or projects) applicable.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge under mentor guidance to turbomachinery design and testing lifecycle.
• Support CAD updates, data reviews, and analysis activities.
• Attend regular mentorship 1:1s and progress updates; contribute to team learning.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Applied engineering

Team collaboration

Self‑driven

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

CAD/CAM (Solidworks, Catia, NX)

ANSYS

MATLAB

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 Turbomachinery Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to participate in new development and maturing the design of turbopump assembly supporting CAD and drawing updates, data review, and analysis activities. The Turbopump team is an integral part of the propulsion team and has full ownership of the design and test lifecycle for the LOX and fuel pump supplying the engines that will lift our latest rocket.

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 aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, astronautical engineering, thermal engineering, mechanical engineering or physics 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)
• Experience with CAD/CAM (Solidworks, Catia, NX)
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing experience
• Experience using software such as: ANSYS, Matlab, Python, or Solidworks
• Proficient knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and turbomachinery
• Aerodynamics and/or compressible flow experience
• Hands‑on work experience with hardware
• Basic understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

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 Range 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 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.