Systems Engineer 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 As a Systems Engineer Intern in the Space Electronics Technical Lead Engineering (TLE) group, you will help solve some of our customers’ toughest technical challenges across launch-vehicle and space-based programs. You will work alongside an exceptionally capable, collaborative team whose work helps guide vehicles from launch through flight and enables communication and exploration far beyond Earth. This is a chance to take meaningful ownership early: translating ambitious mission needs into real, flight-ready systems; working across hardware, software, integration, and test; and seeing your engineering contribute directly to mission success. At Rocketdyne, you will learn from experienced technical leaders while helping build the next generation of space capability.

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

• Understand program objectives, mission concepts of operation, and product architectures to define and develop electronic system and subsystem requirements, methods, and solutions.
• Partner with a multidisciplinary team to design spaceflight systems and subsystems that meet demanding customer and mission requirements.
• Perform hardware/software integration and development testing to prove out designs and prepare them for mission-critical use.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute requirements verification and validation activities; collaborate with the test team to ensure customer requirements are fully met and verified.
• Participate in engineering review boards, bringing forward thoughtful technical insight to improve quality and identify design issues early in the development lifecycle.
• Apply strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to complex, high-consequence engineering challenges.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Completed 1 year of course work in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with electrical/avionics systems for military and defense applications
• Proficiency in electronic system design, development, and troubleshooting
• Experience with IBM DOORs or similar requirements management software
• Hands-on experience with electronics integration, troubleshooting, and test methodologies
• Knowledge of military and/or NASA component specifications, design processes, and hardware test/verification procedures

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