Propulsion Design Intern
US$28 / hr base salary
Posted 11 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Propulsion Design Intern Spring 2027”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Internship
| Base salary | US$28 / hr |
|---|
Field of studyAeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Study levelBachelor's or higher
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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 Design Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the team in design and analysis of components and subassemblies for the Archimedes engine. You will join our multidisciplinary propulsion team who is responsible for designing, analyzing, and building engine system hardware to accelerate Archimedes development.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO
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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
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Work with a fast-paced group of professionals to apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challenges
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Attend frequent 1:1’s with mentors and supervisors to facilitate success and learning while providing progress updates
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Enjoy tech talks and network with other interns and employees through social and professional events
YOU’LL 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.
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Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in an Aerospace, Astronautical, Aeronautical or Mechanical engineering discipline and have at least one semester of school remaining post internship
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GPA of 3.0 or above
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3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
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GPA of 3.5 or above
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6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
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Siemens NX and ANSYS Workbench experience
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CAD/CAM experience
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Fluid dynamics and fluid systems experience