Optical Engineering Intern Summer 2027

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

As an Optical Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Tucson, Arizona, you will have the opportunity to support the Optical Team with building test setups, running experiments and analyzing data. This team focuses on optical technologies by merging optical engineering and optical sciences skills to create systems that are designed to push the limit of optical capabilities. 

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)  

• Python experience 

• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) experience 

• Familiarity with optical systems or imaging sensors 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2027 

COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS  

• Pay Rate: $25.00 USD Hourly

• You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs 

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]. 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.

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.