Rocket Lab Logo

Rocket Lab

Test Engineering Intern Fall 2026

Posted 23 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Long Beach, CA
28-28 Annually
Internship
In-Office
Long Beach, CA
28-28 Annually
Internship
As a Test Engineering Intern, support the Space Systems team in developing software for testing space hardware while collaborating with professionals and learning on the job.
The summary above was generated by AI

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket 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 Test Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the Space Systems team on their internal test automation platform. You will help the team develop the software that tests the hardware that goes into space.  

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO 

  • 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 

  • 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 

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. 

  • Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in a computer engineering, computer science, software engineering or electrical engineering 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 with Javascript and Python 

  • Experience in software design 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

  • Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026. 

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.  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, life insurance, and 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 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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$28$28 USD

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.   

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 [email protected] 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.


Similar Jobs

25 Days Ago
In-Office
Internship
Internship
Aerospace • Hardware • Manufacturing
The intern will design test fixtures, analyze test requirements, run design reviews, and assist in manufacturing processes for aviation hardware testing.
Top Skills: CadInstrumentationTest Fixtures
Internship
Aerospace • Hardware • Manufacturing
The intern will assist test engineers with flight test planning, execution, and analysis, gaining aerospace experience while enhancing system performance and safety.
An Hour Ago
In-Office
146K-297K Annually
Senior level
146K-297K Annually
Senior level
Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Information Technology • Machine Learning
Perform SI/PI analysis and modeling for HBM interposers, packages, and silicon channels. Conduct frequency- and time-domain channel characterization, mask-based timing and SPICE simulations, PDN/impedance and transient analysis, electromagnetic extraction, and automate sign-off flows with EDA vendors to ensure HBM interface reliability and product sign-off.
Top Skills: Ansys HfssAnsys SiwaveCadence PowerdcCadence PowersiCowosDdrEmibHbmInterposerKeysight AdsPciePdnSerdesSpiceSynopsys HspiceTsvUcie

What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene

San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.

Key Facts About San Francisco Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
  • Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
  • Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account