Space Systems Engineering Intern Hands-on Hardware & Test

Systems Engineering Intern – Long Beach, CA As a Systems Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will support the Space Systems Division in the development of the Assembly Integration and Test sequence. The Systems engineering team act as the main communication node for design development and issue resolution on Rocket Lab's satellites. What you’ll get to do Work closely with your mentor and other employees 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 Qualifications 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) Nice‑to‑have qualifications GPA of 3.5 or above 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable) Experience working with spacecraft hardware or test hardware Experience developing and running test scripts for space hardware Experience debugging hardware issues on development hardware Additional requirements Able to work full‑time, on‑site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026. Compensation and other benefits Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, flexible spending, parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Eligibility – US Offices Only To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Eligibility – New Zealand Offices Only For security reasons, background checks including nationality checks are required. Eligibility depends on citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or a NATO country, or else holding ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. Equal Employment Opportunity Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. #J-18808-Ljbffr