Business Development Intern

Job Description

Job Title: Business Development Intern

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company dedicated to opening access to space. They provide responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. Their mission is to enable vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change combat, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

• Their Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, having delivered over 230 satellites to orbit.
• They are actively developing Neutron, an upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.
• The Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Role: Business Development Intern

As a Business Development Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will gain valuable insight into the evolving space industry over the next 5-10 years and contribute to Rocket Lab’s growth. The Business Development team is responsible for connecting customers across government and commercial sectors with Rocket Lab’s industry-leading mission solutions, spanning launch and space systems. They work closely with customers to understand needs and develop tailored solutions.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Work closely with your mentor and departmental colleagues to apply your knowledge and develop technical and professional skills.
• Collaborate with a fast-paced team to apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real-world challenges.
• Participate in frequent 1:1s with mentors and supervisors to ensure success, facilitate learning, and provide progress updates.
• Enjoy tech talks and opportunities to network with other interns and employees through social and professional events.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications (Required)

Ideal candidates will thrive in ambiguity and enjoy working in small, high-performing teams focused on continuous learning and growth. Success in this role will be measured by your contributions, ability to lead projects without supervision, and collaborative skills.

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in one of the following disciplines: engineering, Business Administration, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or math.
• Must have at least one semester of school remaining post-internship.
• A GPA of 3.0 or above.
• 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience are applicable).

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have (Preferred)

• A GPA of 3.5 or above.
• 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience are applicable).
• Experience with tools such as MATLAB, Python, or RF simulation software (e.g., CST, HFSS, ADS).
• Experience performing industry research and analysis.
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical specifications, white papers, patents, and academic publications.
• Basic understanding of satellite systems.
• Strong foundational knowledge in RF systems, digital communications, wireless protocols, or satellite communications.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2026.

Compensation And Other Benefits

• Pay Range CA: $25.00 USD Hourly.
• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs.
• Level and base salary are determined on a case-by-case basis considering job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
• Comprehensive total rewards package includes:
  • Company equity (for employees).
  • Robust benefits package: top-tier medical (HMO, PPO & 100% company-sponsored medical HSA 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.
  • 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 confirm with your recruiter. Benefit programs are subject to change.

What To Expect

Rocket Lab is on a mission to unlock space’s potential to improve life on Earth, a task requiring hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment. Their people are known for out-thinking, out-working, and out-pacing others. They pride themselves on mutual support, humility, and dedication to all tasks. They thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivery rather than challenges.

Important Information (For US Offices Only)

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.
• Rocket Lab is an equal employment opportunity employer, prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on 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 law.
• Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This resource is solely for job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from applying/interviewing. Responses may take up to two business days.

Important Information (For New Zealand Offices Only)

• For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These include nationality checks, as eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a requirement.
• Under ITAR, 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).