Test Engineering Intern Spring 2026 at Rocket Lab USA

Wallops Island, Virginia, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

InternshipExperience Level

InternshipJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, SpaceIndustries

Requirements

Enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in an engineering discipline such as Electrical, Mechatronics or Robotics Engineering, or physics discipline with 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)
Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning January, February, or March 2026

Responsibilities

Work closely with mentor and other employees within the department to apply knowledge and grow 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

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Test EngineeringSystems TestingLaunch Operations

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the required qualifications for the Test Engineering Intern position?

Candidates must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in an engineering discipline such as Electrical, Mechatronics or Robotics Engineering, or physics with at least one semester remaining post-internship, have a GPA of 3.0 or above, and 3+ months of applied engineering experience.

Is this internship remote or on-site?

The internship requires full-time, on-site work at Rocket Lab’s site in Wallops, Virginia for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks.

What is the company culture like for interns at Rocket Lab?

Interns work in small, high-performing teams focused on continued learning and growth, with frequent 1:1s with mentors, tech talks, and networking events with other interns and employees.

What compensation or benefits are offered for this internship?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Test Engineering Intern role?

Strong candidates thrive in ambiguity, bring knowledge and experience to lead development projects without supervision, collaborate across teams, and have nice-to-have qualifications like a 3.5+ GPA, 6+ months experience, and proficiency in C++ or Python.

Rocket Lab USA

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

About Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Long Beach, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2006Year Founded

$713.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Increased competition from SpaceX as Rocket Lab develops the Neutron rocket.

Potential delays in Virginia launch site could impact schedules and revenue.

Reliance on New Zealand site poses risks from geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.

Differentiation

Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.

Photon platform supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and private Venus missions.

Neutron rocket development positions Rocket Lab as a competitor in heavy-lift launches.

Upsides

Collaboration with Air Force Research Lab could lead to more defense contracts.

Operational efficiency shown by two launches in 24 hours from different hemispheres.

Investment by Pier 88 indicates strong investor confidence in Rocket Lab's growth.

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