Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Combustion devices, Engineering, GD&T, Drafting, Data processing
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$125k–$161k/yr
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 f…
Skills: Orbital mechanics, Orbit determination, Trajectory planning, Mission design, Python
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$27/hr–$40/hr
Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 32…
Skills: Data analysis, Statistical analysis, Program review, Quantitative data, Data synthesis
Long Beach, California, United States · Hybrid
$71k–$80k/yr
What we are looking for Build your future while helping clients build a more sustainable one. SCS Engineers is seeking an ambitious Air Quality Professional to join our Southwest team and contribute to exciting projects …
Skills: Air permitting, Air compliance, Air dispersion modeling, Emissions testing, Greenhouse gas inventories
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$86k–$159k/yr
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous huma…
Skills: Manufacturing engineering, Fluid systems, ECLSS, Hardware integration, Tube bending
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: CAD, Turbomachinery, Engineering analysis, Data review, Solidworks
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: CAD, Solidworks, Catia, NX, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Systems Engineering, Spacecraft Hardware, Test Hardware, Test Scripts, Debugging
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Systems engineering, Spacecraft hardware, Test hardware, Test scripts, Debugging
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Spacecraft assembly, Integration and test, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Spacecraft assembly, Integration and test, Engineering concepts, Hardware testing, Python
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Hardware In The Loop, Automation tools, Systems engineering, Mechatronics, Python
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Thermodynamics, Fluid mechanics, Propulsion, CAD, CAM
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Thermodynamics, Fluid mechanics, Propulsion, CAD, CAM
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Fluid dynamics, Thermodynamics, Materials science, Physics, CAD
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Combustion devices, GD&T, Drafting, Data processing, Testing
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Hardware development, Electronics, Test campaigns, Engineering, Physics
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Additive manufacturing, Rocketry, Engineering, CAD, CAM
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
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 f…
Skills: Additive manufacturing, Rocketry, Engineering, CAD, CAM
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$90k–$136k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Hardware design, Fluid systems, Propulsion hardware, Manufacturing processes, Design for manufacturing
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The intern will support the team in designing, analyzing, and testing combustion devices while gaining experience in GD&T drafting and data processing. They will work closely with mentors to apply engineering concepts to solve real-world challenges in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates must be enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree program in an engineering, physics, or math discipline with at least one semester remaining. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and at least 3 months of applied engineering experience.
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 a Combustion Devices Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, California, you will have the opportunity to support the team in designing, analyzing and testing combustion devices, as well as gain experience with GD&T drafting and data processing and testing. From designing and testing structures and components, to firing up new engines, to setting up launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Combustion Devices team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.
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)
Experience with CAD/CAM
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) drafting experience
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience
Experience with 3D printing
Experience with programs such as: ANSYS, MATLAB, Siemens NX
Propulsion experience
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning January, February, or March 2027
COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS
Pay Range CA: $28.00 USD Hourly
You may be eligible for a stipend to subsidize relocation costs
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
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.
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
Based on 362 listings with disclosed salaries, most science & research jobs in Long Beach, CA pay between $90k–$220k per year. Individual offers vary with seniority, company size, and specialization.
There are currently 400 open science & research positions in Long Beach, CA listed on Clera. New openings are added daily as companies post roles.
Companies currently hiring include Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, Vast, True Anomaly, CSULB Economics, among others. Browse the listings above to see every active employer.
Yes — 37 of the 400 open science & research positions offer remote or hybrid work (10 remote, 27 hybrid).
Each listing links directly to the employer's application page. Apply early — fresh listings get the most recruiter attention in the first two weeks.
