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Internship Rocket Lab Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Internship Rocket Lab information

What is an internship at Rocket Lab?

An internship at Rocket Lab is a temporary, structured work experience for students or recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in the aerospace industry. Interns at Rocket Lab work alongside industry professionals on real projects in areas such as engineering, manufacturing, software, and business operations. These internships typically last for a set period, often over the summer, and provide valuable learning opportunities, mentorship, and the potential for future employment. Interns can expect to be involved in exciting projects related to rocket development, satellite technology, and launch operations.

What types of projects can interns expect to work on at Rocket Lab, and how are they integrated into the engineering teams?

Interns at Rocket Lab are typically given hands-on, meaningful projects that contribute directly to ongoing missions, such as development, testing, or analysis of rocket components and systems. They work closely with experienced engineers, participating in team meetings, design reviews, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. This integrated approach helps interns gain practical experience, build technical skills, and understand the fast-paced environment of the aerospace industry. Regular mentorship and feedback are provided to support learning and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern at Rocket Lab, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rocket Lab intern, a strong academic background in engineering, physics, or a related STEM field is essential, often supported by progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and hands-on laboratory or project experience are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set standout interns apart. These skills are vital for contributing meaningfully to high-tech projects, adapting quickly, and collaborating in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

What is the difference between Internship Rocket Lab vs Rocket Engineer?

AspectInternship Rocket LabRocket Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering/science programBachelor's or higher in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, collaborative teamsFull-time, professional engineering environment, project-driven
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies like Rocket Lab for training future engineersUsed by aerospace companies for designing and testing rockets

Internship Rocket Lab is a temporary, learning-focused position for students or recent graduates, while a Rocket Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and developing rocket systems. Internships provide hands-on experience, whereas Rocket Engineers work on ongoing projects in a professional setting.

What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Internship Rocket Lab jobs?

Cities in New Mexico with the most Internship Rocket Lab job openings:

Intern, Technical Undergraduate Year-Round - Experimental Aerosciences, Onsite

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Sandia
Marketing • 11 - 50 employees

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

What Your Job Will Be Like
The Thermal, Fluid, & Aero Labs (TFAL) has opportunities for a Technical Undergraduate Year-Round Intern to join our dynamic team!
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Assist the Experimental Aerosciences and Experimental Thermal and Fluid Sciences departments with various projects
  • Work with a mentor to operate and troubleshoot large-scale test facilities as well as the associated instrumentation and data acquisition systems
  • Assemble, modify, or repair test hardware, mechanical components, and fixtures for testing
  • Acquire and process test data

Are you ready for your next challenge? Join our team and achieve your goals while making a difference.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here .
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
  • Currently attending and enrolled full time in a related accredited undergraduate program
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
  • Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship

Note: If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.
Qualifications We Desire
  • Currently enrolled in an Associates of Applied Science Program
  • Knowledge of pressure and electrical installation.
  • Experience with the operation and maintenance of compressors, high-pressure systems, vacuum pumps, refrigeration systems, low- and high-voltage power systems, and/or electrical control systems.
  • Experience with high-speed wind tunnel operation
  • Familiarity with SNL Environmental Safety & Health or similar safety practices.
  • Demonstrated successful teamwork, excellent communication skills (oral and written), and consistent demonstration of good behaviors.

Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Experimental Aerosciences Department of Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico offers challenging and important work relating to national security in R&D and technology applications in aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, compressible fluid mechanics, and flight dynamics. Our primary mission supports U.S. Department of Energy Defense Programs, and aerosciences projects funded through the U.S. Department of Defense, DARPA, NASA, and industry. Our projects span the Mach number range from subsonic through hypersonic and involve systems ranging from aircraft released ordinance to reentry systems and rocket systems. Technical activities include experimental analytical efforts plus support of flight test activities, both pre-flight/post-flight analyses and field test operations. The Aerosciences Department maintains a strong balance of research and development activities and works synergistically with other organizations at Sandia to meet current and future customer needs.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.