Summer 2024 Internship/ Co-Op - Engineering

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

As a global company, each Rocket Lab site has its own unique internship offerings, but each position is designed to provide students with real-world experience and an opportunity to impact real programs within the space industry. Internships are available in the following North American locations: (US Locations) Long Beach, California (Headquarters); Littleton, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Stennis, Mississippi; Silver Spring, Maryland; Wallops Island, Virginia; (Canada Location) Toronto, Ontario, Canada  

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 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)

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)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2024

COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS

• Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly
• Pay Range CO: $25.00 USD Hourly 
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs

ROCKET LAB ENGINEERING TEAMS 

SPACE SYSTEMS: The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar. (US Locations) Long Beach, California (Headquarters); Littleton, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Silver Spring, Maryland; (Canada Location) Toronto, Ontario, Canada

AVIONICS: You will be on the front-line of cutting-edge avionics hardware development. You will have the unique opportunity to support the creation, test, and deployment of avionics hardware and systems that go into orbit. This includes but is not limited to flight computers, power electronic systems, high-voltage components, FPGAs, RF systems, and components used in guidance, navigation, and control. Our fundamental goal is to ensure our payloads reach orbit on time, every time.

GROUND SYSTEMS: This team is responsible for leading the design, build, testing, and commissioning of the mechanical launch pad and local test sites for Neutron, including fluid systems, supporting structures, and mechanisms. 

LAUNCH: Delivers a global focus on all the infrastructure and software that will enable Rocket Lab Engineers and Launch Pers