Thermal Engineering Intern Fall 2026

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 Thermal Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you’ll join a team that handles thermal control for all of the spacecraft and spacecraft components in the Rocket Lab portfolio. This team serves as subject matter experts on thermal engineering for the rest of the company and its subsidiaries and will occasionally support thermal teams on the launch services side. Thermal engineers get to own design, analysis, and implementation across all product lifecycles and business units.  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 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)  Thermal engineering experience   Experience using CAD/CAM  Finite Element Analysis (FEA) machining experience  Experience using a lathe machine  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 with