Design/Mechanical Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Proven flight heritage. Built for the nation’s most critical missions.

Rocketdyne has powered American launch and national security missions for generations. Today we build the propulsion, power, and communications that get this country’s most important systems where they need to go - and keep them there. If it flies, we power it. If it protects the nation, we deliver it. Real hardware. Real stakes. Start your career with the team that the nation depends on.

The Role

We are seeking a Launch Propulsion Engineering Intern to join our team in Jupiter, FL for Summer 2027. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to real engineering work on flight programs alongside our experienced propulsion teams.

As an intern, you will work with our upper stage liquid propulsion, monopropellant, bipropellant, and electric propulsion engineering teams to develop and design hardware from initial concept through qualification testing and production support.

Professional Development Opportunities with Rocketdyne

• Project-based, direct professional experience in your field of study.
• Working under guidance of experienced engineering and design professionals, with both manager and mentor relationships to build your skillset and prepare for your future career.
• Rocketdyne-wide learning and development opportunities, including
  • Information sessions for both technical and business topics spanning all Rocketdyne businesses and programs

Key Responsibilities

• Create and modify designs for various rocket propulsion systems.
• Design, develop, and test products, including providing project time and cost estimates, supporting product manufacturing, and evaluating products for quality, safety, and cost.
• Plan the design, development, and testing of rocket chambers, nozzles, igniters, injectors, valves, actuators, and other associated rocket engine hardware.
• Support analysis activities related to damage tolerance, durability, and design modeling, and coordinate with analysis and other engineering disciplines.
• Develop and maintain component and assembly layouts, CAD models, and drawings for rocket engine hardware using CAD tools.
• Perform conceptual design, create design layouts, apply GD&T, conduct tolerance analyses, and support systems design and integration, including fabrication process identification and requirements flow-down from system to component level.
• Conduct trade studies and support the development of schedules, test plans, component specifications, and procedures.
• Help resolve hardware issues, nonconformances, and test anomalies in collaboration with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Assist with development of technical documentation such as procedures, test reports, design reports, and presentations.
• Participate in customer discussions, design reviews, and internal technical meetings to understand requirements and support engineering responses.
• Prepare and deliver an end-of-summer presentation summarizing your project work and key lessons learned.

Basic Qualifications

• Majoring in Mechanical engineering, Aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in spacecraft, propulsion, aerospace manufacturing, or other complex hardware development.
• At the time of application, standing as a junior or senior undergraduate, or a current graduate student.
• Relevant coursework in one or more of the following:

• Thermodynamics
• Combustion
• Mechanics of materials
• Dynamics/vibration
• Fluid mechanics
• Spacecraft propulsion
• Nozzle design
• Laboratory instrumentation and measurement

• Strong technical communication and organizational skills; prior experience in technical writing, seminars, or large group/conference presentations is especially beneficial.
• Demonstrated initiative to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek clarity where needed.
• Ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams with deadlines and decision gates, particularly on teams of 5 or more members.

Housing and Relocation Assistance

• If currently residing further than 50 miles from the Rocketdyne site, students are eligible to receive a stipend to cover the cost-of-living arrangements and relocation for the summer