Systems Engineering Intern Fall 2026
Job Location:
Long Beach, NY - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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 rockethas 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.
As aSystemsEngineering Intern based at Rocket Labs site in Long Beach California you will have the opportunity to support the Space Systems Division inthe development of the Assembly Integration and engineeringteamact as the main communication node for design development and issue resolution on Rocket Labs satellites.
WHAT YOULL 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 solvereal challenges
Attend frequent 1:1s with mentors and supervisors tofacilitatesuccess and learning while providing progress updates
Enjoy tech talks and network with other interns and employees through social and professional events
YOULL 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 bachelors masters 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 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)
Experienceworking with spacecraft hardware or test hardware
Experience developing and running test scripts for space hardware
Experience debugging hardware issues on development hardware
COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS
Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly
You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting standing walking computer work and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise dust and fumes in production areas
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. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO PPO & a 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.
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 companys discretion.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$28 - $28 USD
WHAT TO EXPECT
Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.
Required Experience:
Intern
About Company
The end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components.
