Rocket Lab Internship Programs: Launching Careers into Orbit

Rocket Lab stands as a prominent end-to-end space solutions provider, excelling in designing, manufacturing, and launching advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company furnishes a comprehensive service suite, encompassing launch vehicles, satellite components, spacecraft, and space systems, thereby bolstering a diverse array of commercial, civil, and defense missions. Boasting a global footprint and a commitment to innovation, Rocket Lab facilitates dependable and responsive access to space, empowering its clientele to realize their mission objectives with efficiency.

Overview of Rocket Lab Internships

Rocket Lab internship programs are crafted to offer students invaluable real-world experience and the prospect to influence tangible programs within the space sector. These internships extend beyond mere desk work, immersing participants in city life through curated activities and fostering connections with senior leaders via exclusive networking events. Interns are entrusted with significant projects that yield genuine business outcomes.

Locations and Opportunities

As a global entity, each Rocket Lab site presents unique internship opportunities. For instance, Long Beach internships typically encompass software, engineering, and corporate support roles. Rocket Lab Toronto internships provide a close-knit team environment where interns directly contribute to satellite components destined for space, benefiting from mentoring and career guidance.

Canadian Internships

Canadian-based interns receive mentoring and career advice and are part of a tight-knit team with lots of responsibility. All interns at Rocket Lab Toronto contribute directly to satellite components that will one day fly in space.

ULA Internships

ULA (United Launch Alliance) also offers a summer intern program. All internship openings are posted in the ULA Intern Career Center. Interested students are encouraged to create profiles and upload their cover letters and resumes before the intern job postings open.

Eligibility and Application Process

ULA Internship Application

For ULA internships, the application process typically involves:

June-August: Creating a profile and uploading a cover letter and resume in the ULA Intern Career Center.
Tuesday following Labor Day (Sept. 8, 2026): Intern job postings open in the ULA Intern Career Center; apply right away.

ULA Eligibility

ULA considers students pursuing a B.S./M.S. in aerospace, electrical, and mechanical engineering, as well as computer science, for engineering internships. Business-side internships are available in areas like Finance, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Communications, Government Relations, and Information Technology, contingent on business needs.

Additional ULA requirements include:

Must be a U.S. citizen or resident with a permanent legal right to work in the United States; ULA does not offer Student F-1 or Work H-1B visa sponsorships.
Must have completed at least his/her freshman year in college and plan to return to school in the fall after completing their internship.

Internship Structure and Benefits

Rocket Lab internships typically span at least 12 weeks, providing hands-on learning under the guidance of industry professionals and university mentors. Interns receive targeted training and mentorship to accelerate their professional growth and competency. Eligible interns may also enjoy benefits such as 100% subsidized housing.

Compensation and Potential for Employment

All Rocket Lab internships are paid, and over 80% of internships lead to employment with Rocket Lab.

Read also: Rocket Raccoon: A Deep Dive

Engineering Roles

In Engineering, interns have opportunities to support design, production, assembly, test and launch operation activities in support of current and future missions.

Work Schedule

Most ULA employees have a 9/80 work schedule, which means they work nine hours a day Monday through Thursday, eight hours for the "on" Friday, and enjoy a day off every other Friday. All overtime hours must be directed and preapproved by the intern's manager.

Housing and Transportation Allowance

If the intern's permanent home and campus addresses both are more than 50 miles away from the assigned location, ULA may provide a one-time housing/transportation allowance, which is communicated at the time of the offer. allowance is intended to defray startup housing costs such as deposits on lodging and utilities and other basic housing and transportation expenses.

Unique Features and Experiences

Rocket Lab internships offer distinctive experiences, including immersion activities that integrate interns into city life and exclusive networking events that connect them with senior leaders. Some internships involve exploring lifestyle destinations and building lasting connections, such as those in Detroit, Windsor, Cleveland, and Phoenix.

ITAR Restrictions

In order to meet our ITAR hiring restrictions, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or a citizen of an ITAR approved country.

Read also: UCLA Rocketry Achievements

Rocket Innovation Studio (RIS) Co-op Program

Rocket Innovation Studio (RIS) has a co-op program that allows students to receive cutting-edge experience between study terms.

Virtual Internship Program

Alexis Smith participated in our first virtual internship program in May 2020 when COVID-19 caused most of our teams to transition to working from home.

Testimonials

“Rocket's internship program is such a remarkably unique and comprehensive early-career growth opportunity."
“This is an amazing internship program which really allows interns to explore what they want to pursue in their career."
As a recent graduate, I knew I wanted to start my career with Rocket®. I didn’t know the how, what, or where, and at first, I was only looking at full time positions completely disregarding the idea of an internship after graduation.

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