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

Mechanical Engineer at Rocketdyne are responsible for a wide range of assignments, including design, analysis, and test of opto-mechanical, and electro-optical systems. These systems have demanding functional and performance requirements and must operate in extremely challenging environments. Mechanical Engineering Interns will follow the product from conceptualization through hardware integration and testing, and will interface with Designers, Systems Engineers, as well as other discipline engineers, Program Managers and customer counterparts. Duties may include CAD design, detailed finite element analysis, vendor and integration support, as well as hardware characterization testing.

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

• Provide mechanical engineering support for both new product development activities as well as factory support of existing products
• Execute verification testing as defined by the mechanical specification and test plan
• Generate and/or process engineering change orders (ECO’s) as required.
• Work directly with mechanical designers on CAD models and part documentation
• Review engineering documentation, including product specifications, drawings, assembly procedures, and test plans/procedures.
• Assist the Purchasing Dept. with procurement of product hardware including vendor certification, vendor oversight, product source inspection, and nonconformance disposition, as required.
• Support the assembly, integration and test of the product or prototype hardware.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science Engineering or related field
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Familiarity with computer design tools (Solidworks, PTC Creo, MathCAD, Matlab)

Preferred Skills

• CAD or analysis (FEA) tools exposure, and/or experience in mechanical design or analysis
• Working knowledge of one Microsoft Suite of Software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

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