Rocket Lab USA
Launch services and spacecraft components provider
Mechanical Engineer Intern
Full-time, on-site for at least 16 consecutive weeks beginning January 4, 2027.
About the job
- Must be enrolled in a bachelor's program in mechanical or aerospace engineering and have at least one semester of school remaining after the internship.
- Have experience designing parts and assemblies and preparing engineering drawings using computer-aided design software such as Solid Edge or SolidWorks.
- Have hands-on experience working with mechanical components and assemblies.
- Have a grade point average of at least 3.0.
- Have at least 3 months of applied engineering experience; internship, laboratory, and personal or team project experience is applicable.
- Be able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 16 consecutive weeks beginning January 4, 2027.
- Support the team responsible for the development, testing, and maintenance of the mechanical aspects of reaction wheel and star tracker products.
- Work closely with a mentor and other department employees to apply engineering knowledge and develop technical and professional skills.
- Apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real-world challenges.
- Attend frequent one-on-one meetings with mentors and supervisors to facilitate learning and provide progress updates.
- Have a grade point average of at least 3.5.
- Have at least 6 months of applied engineering experience; internship, laboratory, and personal or team project experience is applicable.
- Have experience building electromechanical assemblies.
- Have experience in structural and thermal finite element analysis.
- Have Python experience.
About the company
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 launcher delivers dedicated missions for small satellites, using carbon composite structures and 3D-printed Rutherford engines for high launch frequency. The Space Systems unit makes spacecraft components and the Photon satellite bus, and the company is developing Neutron for larger constellations and interplanetary missions, as well as HASTE for hypersonic tech tests. By combining in-house launch and hardware with strategic acquisitions, Rocket Lab offers integrated mission solutions to reduce risk and complexity, aiming to make space missions faster, more reliable, and more accessible.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Long Beach, California
Founded
2006
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 revenue hit $234 million, up 62%, with backlog reaching $2.36 billion.
- Rocket Lab booked more than $437 million in launch contracts and over $1 billion total Q3 deals.
- Space Force awarded a $397 million Flatellite contract, expanding defense demand into 2027.
What critics are saying
- Neutron still targets Q4 2026 pad delivery, and management admitted launch timing is slipping.
- The $8 billion Iridium deal faces FCC comments through November 9 and a September 24 vote.
- Any Neutron failure or Iridium regulatory block would damage Rocket Lab's premium valuation.
What makes Rocket Lab USA unique
- Electron has 95 missions through September 11, 2026, proving high launch cadence.
- Rocket Lab combines launch, spacecraft, and components; space systems became 60% of backlog.
- IMM Apex solar cells eliminate germanium, offering 31.5% efficiency and drop-in replacement integration.
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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
6 month growth
↓ -1%1 year growth
↓ -2%2 year growth
↓ -2%Rocket Lab's revenue reached a record $234 million in Q2 2026, up 62% year over year, with its backlog growing 137% to $2.36 billion. The company projects Q3 revenue of $250 million to $265 million, another record. Following its agreement to acquire Iridium Communications for $8 billion in mid-2027, analysts predict Rocket Lab's core operations (excluding Iridium) will surpass $1.5 billion in revenue by 2027. This projection requires roughly 55% growth from 2026's estimated $970 million, slightly below current growth rates. Through June 2026, Rocket Lab generated approximately $434 million in revenue. About 45% of its $2.36 billion backlog, roughly $1.1 billion, is expected to convert to revenue within 12 months. Iridium generated $872 million in revenue during 2025.
Rocket Lab USA shares rose approximately 3% in early Tuesday trading after completing an equity sale that raised $1.944 billion in gross proceeds. The company sold 29.3 million shares through an at-the-market programme to fund its planned acquisition of Iridium Communications. The proceeds will cover the cash component of the transaction, with remaining funds allocated for growth initiatives and general corporate purposes. Rocket Lab also provided an unsecured guarantee for Iridium's amended $1.775 billion term loan and terminated a previously arranged $3.6 billion bridge financing commitment. Rocket Lab agreed in June to acquire Iridium in a cash-and-stock deal valuing the satellite operator at approximately $8 billion, or $54 per share. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027 and will expand Rocket Lab's operations beyond launch services and spacecraft production into satellite network operations.
RKLB stock extends gains overnight: Cathie Wood's ARK adds to Rocket Lab stake on new space solar catalyst. Published: Sep 09 2026, 12:10 PM IST * FB * TW * Linkdin * Whatsapp * GNFollow Us Cathie Wood's ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) bought 2,341 RKLB shares on Tuesday worth about $154,000. * The latest purchase followed ARK's acquisition of 705,102 RKLB shares worth $44.4 million across three ETFs over two days earlier this month. * Rocket Lab unveiled IMM Apex, a germanium-free space solar cell offering 31.5% beginning-of-life efficiency and 40% lower mass. * Rocket Lab completed its 94th Electron mission last week and has 16 more Synspective launches booked through 2030. Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares rose 4% overnight heading into Wednesday after Cathie Wood's ARK Investment Management added to its position, while the space company launched a lighter, germanium-free solar cell designed to reduce exposure to critical-mineral shortages. RKLB stock jumped 3% on Tuesday and added another 2% in the after-hours session. Cathie Wood's ARK buys more RKLB shares. The ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) bought 2,341 RKLB shares on Tuesday worth about $154,000. The purchase follows heavier buying earlier this month. ARK acquired 705,102 Rocket Lab shares over two days, worth about $44.4 million, across the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) and ARKX. Rocket Lab unveils germanium-free solar cell. Rocket Lab's new IMM Apex space solar cell offers 31.5% beginning-of-life conversion efficiency and 40% lower mass, providing what the company called best-in-class power per kilogram. Unlike conventional multi-junction cells, IMM Apex eliminates germanium substrates, reducing exposure to rising costs and supply constraints. It is also a mechanical and electrical drop-in replacement for legacy cells, allowing customers to adopt it without significant retooling. "With IMM Apex, customers gain access to a high-efficiency, lightweight, germanium-free product that combines proven reliability with faster production times," Rocket Lab USA President Brad Clevenger said. "IMM Apex is designed to more cost-effectively power the most ambitious missions without compromising performance," he added. Rocket Lab said the cell is available immediately, with manufacturing capacity in the multi-100-kilowatt range. The underlying tech powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and has operated in orbit for more than a decade. Rocket Lab's solar products currently power more than 1,100 satellites and have supported the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Artemis missions. Rocket Lab advances launch and defense programs. Last week, Rocket Lab completed its 94th Electron mission and 15th launch of 2026, deploying a StriX Earth-imaging satellite for Synspective. It was Rocket Lab's 11th dedicated mission for the Japanese radar-imaging company, with a 100% success rate across those flights. Another 16 Synspective missions are booked through 2030. Rocket Lab also passed the preliminary design review for 18 satellites it is building for the U.S. Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer Tranche 3 constellation, calling the milestone a "big step forward" toward delivering missile-warning and defense capabilities for the U.S. and its allies. How do retail traders feel about RKLB? On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for RKLB slipped to 'bearish' from 'neutral' levels a week ago amid a 369% jump in 24-hour message volumes. One bullish user said, "$RKLB bought 500 shares of this back in 2024 when it was at $9 and sold in the $20's and I regretted it. I repurchased 1k shares last week at $59 and ain't selling till we are at $150" View this Stocktwits post Another user said, "$RKLB $SPCX waiting for a pump in this sector. Feels soon, definitely before the end of this month" View this Stocktwits post Stay updated with all the latest Business News, including market trends, Share Market News, stock updates, taxation, IPOs, banking, finance, real estate, savings, and investments. Track daily Gold Price changes, updates on DA Hike, and the latest developments on the 8th Pay Commission. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates to make informed financial decisions. Download the Asianet News Official App from the Android Play Store and iPhone App Store to stay ahead in business. 0 Comments / 0 New
Rocket Lab has released IMM Apex, a new solar cell for space applications that eliminates reliance on germanium, a supply-constrained critical mineral used in conventional multi-junction solar cells for three decades. The cell offers 31.5% solar conversion efficiency and 40% lower mass, delivering best-in-class specific power whilst maintaining radiation hardness. IMM Apex is a drop-in replacement for existing germanium-based products, allowing integration without major retooling investments. The technology builds on Rocket Lab's IMM cells, which powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and have been operational on satellites for over a decade. Rocket Lab has provided solar technology to programmes including the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Artemis missions. More than 1,100 satellites currently orbit using Rocket Lab solar products.
Rocket Lab CFO Adam C. Spice sold 140,157 shares on 2 September 2026 for approximately $8.8 million, according to an SEC filing. The transaction followed the exercise of stock options at a strike price of $1.09 per share, which were immediately sold at a weighted average price of $62.63. Following the sale, Spice retains approximately 1.4 million shares valued at around $90.3 million, consisting of 1.2 million directly held shares and 250,000 held through a trust. The executive also maintains 2.4 million derivative securities, including vested and unvested awards. Rocket Lab shares closed at $63.10 on the transaction date, delivering a 28% one-year return. The aerospace company, which provides launch services and spacecraft manufacturing, reported trailing twelve-month revenue of $769.1 million.