R&D Engineering Intern Fall 2026

Rocket Lab USA

Albuquerque, New Mexico

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JOB DETAILS

JOB TYPE

Temporary

SKILLS

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Climate Change, Engineering, Government, Heat Transfer, Knowledge Transfer, Legal, Manufacturing, Mathematics, Mentoring, Physics, Product Demonstration, Product Support, Product/Service Launch, Prototyping, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Regulations, Research & Development (R&D), Semiconductors, Service Delivery, Soldering, Team Player, Time Management, United States Citizen, Wheel/Front-End Loader

LOCATION

Albuquerque, New Mexico

POSTED

1 day ago

R&D Engineering Intern Fall 2026Albuquerque, NMRocket 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 rocket has 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 a R&D Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will have the opportunity to support the Cell Product team in evolving different technologies that can become production product lines.What You'll Get To DoWork closely with your mentor and other employees within the department to apply your knowledge and grow your skills both technically and professionallyWork with a fast-paced group of professionals to apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challengesAttend frequent 1:1's with mentors and supervisors to facilitate success and learning while providing progress updatesEnjoy tech talks and network with other interns and employees through social and professional eventsYou'll Bring These QualificationsMust 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 internshipGPA of 3.0 or above3+ 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 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026These Qualifications Would Be Nice To HaveGPA of 3.5 or above6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)Python experienceStrong Excel experienceExperience in hands-on prototyping: soldering, wire splicing, laser cutting, dispensing, solar cell processing, or panel assemblyExperience with robotic armsExperience with AI toolsKnowledge of Ohm's Law and fundamental solar cell behavior (I-V curves, efficiency)Knowledge of heat transfer principles (conductive and reactive)Knowledge of circuits, semiconductor physics, or thermodynamicsCompensation And Other BenefitsYou may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costsThis position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust and fumes in production areasWhat To ExpectWe'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.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 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. 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.

R&D Engineering Intern Fall 2026

Rocket Lab USA

Albuquerque, New Mexico

About the Company

Rocket Lab USA

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