Mission Operation 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 new technology demonstrations. Mission Operations Intern (Long Beach, California) As a Mission Operations Intern you will accelerate automation and DevOps capabilities that power Rocket Lab’s growing spacecraft fleet. You’ll work hands‑on with modern tools like Python, Linux, CI/CD, and HIL/SIL testing while supporting missions from LEO constellations to deep‑space exploration. Partnering closely with cross‑functional engineering teams, you’ll help enhance both ground and on‑orbit systems in a fast‑paced, vertically integrated environment, contributing directly to mission success and spacecraft performance across all phases of flight. What you’ll get to do Work closely with your mentor and other employees within the department to apply knowledge and grow both technically and professionally. Apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challenges within a fast‑paced group of professionals. Attend frequent 1:1s 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. Qualifications Ideal candidates will thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in small, high‑performing teams 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 collaborate across teams to deliver results. Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree program in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field and have at least one semester of school remaining after the internship. GPA of 3.0 or above. 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable). Proficiency in Python, Linux, and Git. Nice to have GPA of 3.5 or above. 6+ months of applied engineering experience. General understanding of spacecraft systems, operations, or mission workflows. Experience in AI/ML applications in software development or operations. Familiarity with testing frameworks that integrate software and hardware systems. Additional Requirements Able to work full‑time, on‑site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning August or September 2026. Compensation and Benefits Pay Range (CA): $28.00 USD Hourly. Eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package. 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, 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. Equal Employment Opportunity 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. 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, 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. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ ITAR. 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 ITAR Regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr