Manufacturing Engineering Intern

Job Description

Here is the detailed enriched job description:

About the Job: Manufacturing Engineering Intern

About The Role:

Join Rocket Lab, a leading end-to-end space company dedicated to opening access to space. We specialize in delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Our rockets and satellites are crucial for some of the world’s most ambitious missions, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change combat initiatives, national security, and cutting-edge technology demonstrations.

Our flagship Electron rocket stands as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, having successfully delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. Simultaneously, we are actively developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployments. Beyond launch, our Space Systems business excels in designing and building an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components. Our spacecraft have been selected to support significant NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and our components have even been utilized on the iconic James Webb Space Telescope.

As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern, you will be based at Rocket Lab’s cutting-edge facility in Middle River, Maryland. This is a unique opportunity to directly support our Manufacturing Team in the crucial task of manufacturing the stages for our next-generation launch vehicle, Neutron. The Manufacturing team at Rocket Lab comprises dedicated builders and doers, leveraging advanced machinery across our global sites to bring our satellites, satellite components, and rockets to life and out the door.

What You’ll Get To Do:

This internship offers a hands-on experience where you will:

• Work closely with your assigned mentor and other experienced employees within the department, providing an invaluable opportunity to apply your academic knowledge and significantly grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
• Collaborate with a fast-paced team of professionals, tackling real-world challenges by applying core engineering principles and industry concepts.
• Participate in frequent 1:1 meetings with your mentors and supervisors, ensuring continuous support, facilitating learning, and providing regular progress updates on your contributions.
• Engage in enriching tech talks and expand your professional network by connecting with fellow interns and full-time employees through various social and professional events.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

We are seeking ideal candidates who thrive in ambiguity and are enthusiastic about working within small, high-performing teams committed to continuous learning and growth. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to leverage your existing knowledge and experience, your capacity to lead development projects with a degree of independence, and your skill in collaborating effectively across various teams to deliver tangible results.

• Must be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in an engineering, physics, or math discipline.
• Must have at least one semester of school remaining post-internship.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Demonstrated 3+ months of applied engineering experience. This can include prior internships, laboratory work, or personal/team projects.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• A higher GPA of 3.5 or above.
• More extensive applied engineering experience, specifically 6+ months (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience are all applicable).
• Proficiency in Solid Modelling experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work full-time, on-site at our Middle River, Maryland facility.
• Commitment to a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks, with the internship commencing in May or June 2026.

Compensation And Other Benefits:

• Pay Range MD: $25.00 USD Hourly.
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.

Base salary is just one component of our comprehensive total rewards package at Rocket Lab. The specific level and base salary for a full-time role (if applicable post-internship) are determined on a case-by-case basis, considering job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. 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 and life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other valuable perks include: a discounted employee stock purchase program, and complimentary snacks/drinks onsite.

Please note: Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status; check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of benefits available for this specific role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only):

$25—$25 USD

What To Expect:

At Rocket Lab, our mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth is incredibly ambitious. Achieving it demands hard work, determination, relentless innovation, strong teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to accomplishing what others often deem impossible. Our team members consistently out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on mutual support, checking our egos at the door, and being ready to roll up our sleeves for tasks both big and small. We thrive under pressure, excel at working to tight deadlines, and maintain a constant focus on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on obstacles.

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 meet specific criteria. This includes being a U.S. citizen, a lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Alternatively, candidates must 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 more details on ITAR, please learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab is an equal employment opportunity employer. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and strictly prohibit 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 comprehensive policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, encompassing 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. 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, and 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.