Propulsion Analyst Intern Spring 2027
Long Beach, CA
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
As a Propulsion Analyst Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the Propulsion team in creating FEA models or CFD models of new and updated designs as well as gain hands experience analyzing critical rocket engine hardware. You will join a multidisciplinary propulsion team responsible for designing and testing our Archimedes rocket engine.
What You'll Get To Do
- 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
- 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)
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)
- Experience in Python, ANSYS, Simens NX, MATLAB, and Solidworks
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience
- Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) experience
- Proficient in CAD/CAM
- Knowledge of heat transfer, cryogenics and superficial fluid behavior
Additional Requirements
- Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning January, February, or March 2027
Compensation And Other Benefits
- Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly
- You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs
- 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. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee 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 company's discretion.
What To Expect
We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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 other's 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.