Summer 2026

Flight Software Intern

Posted on 1/7/2026

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Launch services and spacecraft components provider

Compensation Overview

$30/hr

+ Relocation Stipend

Long Beach, CA, USA

Hybrid

Must be on-site for 12 consecutive weeks starting May/June 2026.

Category
Software Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Python
C/C++
Linux/Unix

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Requirements
  • Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in Computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering, electrical engineering or related field 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)
  • Proficiency in C and C++ languages
  • Python experience
  • Experience with microcontrollers
  • Experience with Linux
  • Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2026
Responsibilities
  • 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
Desired Qualifications
  • GPA of 3.5 or above
  • 6+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
  • General understanding of radio frequency and electronic components, including capacitor, inductor, and transformers

Rocket Lab USA provides end-to-end space services, including launch, spacecraft components, and mission support for government, defense, and commercial customers. Its Electron small-lift rocket delivers dedicated missions for small satellites and uses carbon composites with 3D-printed Rutherford engines; Neutron is under development as a reusable medium-lift launcher for constellation deployment and interplanetary missions; HASTE serves the hypersonic tech development market. In Space Systems, it builds spacecraft components like reaction wheels, star trackers, solar panels, separation systems, and the Photon satellite bus, which supports missions from LEO to the Moon and beyond. The company differentiates itself by offering frequent launches with a broad in-house product line and through acquisitions of firms like Sinclair Interplanetary and Planetary Systems Corporation to provide integrated end-to-end mission solutions.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Iridium's 57% margins and $495M EBITDA will offset Rocket Lab's prior $198M net loss immediately.
  • The $8B deal adds 2.55M subscribers and rare L-band spectrum to challenge SpaceX's Starlink dominance.
  • Q1 2026 revenue of $200.3M and a $2.2B backlog provide a strong foundation to integrate Iridium.

What critics are saying

  • FCC or DoD may block the L-band spectrum transfer to a launch firm, collapsing the deal by mid-2027.
  • Startup delays of Neutron rocket will force costly outsourced launches, eroding Iridium's 57% EBITDA margins.
  • SpaceX Starlink's direct-to-cell service will displace 40–60% of Iridium's $871M revenue within 6–12 months.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab uniquely combines launch, satellite manufacturing, and global L-band communications after acquiring Iridium.
  • The company controls the full value chain from spacecraft design to network operation for national security.
  • Rocket Lab is the only firm with Electron launch capability and a direct-to-device satellite network targeting Starlink.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Yahoo Finance
Apr 14th, 2026
Rocket Lab unveils Gauss electric thruster with 200+ units/year production capacity

Rocket Lab has introduced Gauss, a new electric satellite thruster designed for high-volume production to meet growing demand from commercial and national security constellations. The company has established a production line capable of manufacturing over 200 thrusters annually. The in-house designed system includes a Hall Thruster, Power Processing Unit and Propellant Management Assembly. Gauss delivers higher specific impulse than traditional chemical propulsion, enabling more thrust per unit of propellant whilst requiring less fuel onboard. Founded by Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab aims to address supply chain constraints that have historically plagued electric propulsion production. The thruster is suited for prolonged missions including deep space exploration and satellite station-keeping. Gauss joins Rocket Lab's existing propulsion systems, including the Rutherford, Archimedes and Curie engines.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 9th, 2026
Rocket Lab wins $391K NASA Mars study, eyes $700M comms network contract

Rocket Lab has won a $390,936 NASA study contract for Mars telecommunications architecture and is competing for a $700 million programme to build a dedicated communications network supporting sample returns and crewed Mars missions through 2035. The company was the sole awardee of the study contract. NASA's ageing Mars relay satellites struggle with growing data traffic, making the Mars Telecommunications Network critical infrastructure. Rocket Lab has proposed its Mars Telecommunications Orbiter, a laser communication satellite in aerosynchronous orbit. The company's delivery of twin ESCAPADE orbiters currently operating at Mars strengthens its bid against competitors including SpaceX, Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman. The award decision is expected by September, with a 2028 launch deadline. Rocket Lab's 2025 revenue reached $602 million, up 38%, with backlog exceeding $2 billion.

MB News
Apr 8th, 2026
Rocket Lab completes $474M equity offering, with up to $642M total via forward transactions

Rocket Lab has completed its at-the-market equity offering programme, raising approximately $474 million in gross proceeds through the sale of 6.73 million shares. The company had filed to offer up to $1 billion in common stock on 17 March 2026. Additionally, Rocket Lab entered into collared forward transactions involving 7.45 million shares, with expected proceeds between $474 million and $642 million. These transactions are scheduled to mature in April 2028, with actual proceeds depending on settlement terms and pricing conditions. The global launch services and space systems provider intends to use the net proceeds to fund future growth, including potential acquisitions, and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 4th, 2026
Rocket Lab wins $1B+ defence contracts and 38% margin as SpaceX IPO fever spreads

Rocket Lab has posted record full-year 2025 revenue of $602 million, up 38%, with GAAP gross margins reaching 38% and backlog expanding 73% to $1.85 billion. The company recently secured regulatory approval to acquire Mynaric for laser communications and won defence contracts exceeding $1 billion, including an $816 million prime contract for missile-warning satellites. SpaceX's confidential IPO filing at a targeted $1.75 trillion valuation has lifted space sector stocks broadly. However, Rocket Lab stands out as the only publicly traded company with vertical integration spanning launch services, spacecraft production and communications hardware. Fourth-quarter revenue reached $180 million, exceeding consensus estimates of $178 million. The company's Electron rocket has completed nearly three dozen successful missions, whilst Space Systems contributed $402.8 million, representing 67% of total revenue.

Yahoo Finance
Apr 1st, 2026
Rocket Lab's $1.85B backlog meets execution risks as Neutron launch slips to Q4 2026

Rocket Lab has secured strong government demand and a $1.85 billion backlog, with management expecting 37% to convert within 12 months. The company flew three HASTE hypersonic missions in 2025 and won an SDA Tranche III Tracking Layer prime contract in the fourth quarter, adding multi-year visibility. However, execution risks persist. The first Neutron launch has been delayed to the fourth quarter of 2026 following a January tank rupture. Space Systems generated $402.8 million, or 66.9% of total revenue in 2025, but the revenue mix is compressing margins. Management guided first-quarter 2026 GAAP gross margin to 34-36%. Early Neutron flights are expected to carry low or negative gross margins, extending the period where losses remain likely despite long-term growth potential.

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