Relativity Space internships: all tracks, application guide, and tips for 2026
Relativity Space internships: all tracks, application guide, and tips for 2026
Relativity Space runs multiple internship tracks across engineering, operations, and business functions at their Long Beach headquarters. With Terran R approaching first flight in H2 2026, interns joining in 2026 and 2027 will work on hardware that is actively being built and tested — not paper studies or far-future concepts.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of every available internship track, detailed application advice, and what makes Relativity's program distinct from other rocket company internships.
All available internship tracks
Engineering tracks
Relativity's engineering internships are the core of the program. Each track is tied to a specific team working on Terran R development or manufacturing.
Propulsion engineering
Work on the Aeon R engine — a LOX/LNG (methane) engine designed for both first and second stage applications.
| Project Examples | Background |
|---|---|
| Combustion chamber thermal analysis | ME, AE with fluids/thermo focus |
| Turbopump bearing life testing | ME with rotordynamics |
| Igniter development and test | ChemE, AE, ME |
| Hot fire test data analysis | Any engineering with data skills |
Propulsion interns may travel to NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi for engine test campaigns. The test site has dedicated Relativity test stands for full-duration engine firings.
Structures engineering
Design and analyze the structural components of Terran R — tanks, interstages, fairings, and thrust structures.
| Project Examples | Background |
|---|---|
| Propellant tank FEA optimization | ME, AE with FEA experience |
| Composite fairing layup design | ME, MatSci |
| Load path analysis for 3D-printed structures | ME, AE, CivE |
| Qualification test planning and execution | Any engineering |
Additive manufacturing engineering
Relativity's signature technology. Work with the Stargate printer team on metal AM process development.
| Project Examples | Background |
|---|---|
| Print parameter optimization | MatSci, ME, manufacturing |
| Metallurgical analysis of printed parts | MatSci, ChemE |
| Stargate sensor integration | EE, ME, controls |
| Quality system development (CT, NDT) | MatSci, ME, physics |
The additive manufacturing internship is unlike anything offered by any other rocket company. SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab don't use large-scale metal 3D printing as their primary manufacturing process. If you're studying materials science, additive manufacturing, or metallurgical engineering, this is the most relevant industry internship available.
Avionics and electronics
Design the flight computers, sensor packages, and power systems for Terran R.
| Project Examples | Background |
|---|---|
| Flight computer PCB design | EE, CompE |
| Power distribution unit development | EE, power systems |
| Sensor calibration and integration | EE, physics |
| EMI/EMC testing and mitigation | EE |
Flight software
Write the code that controls the rocket during flight.
| Project Examples | Background |
|---|---|
| Real-time flight control software | CS, EE with embedded |
| Telemetry processing pipelines | CS, data engineering |
| Simulation framework development | CS, AE, physics |
| Factory automation software | CS, robotics |
Tech stack: C++ (flight-critical), Python (tools/sims), Rust (select systems), React (ground software).
GN&C (Guidance, Navigation, and Control)
Develop the algorithms that guide Terran R from launch through landing.
| Project Examples | Background |
|---|---|
| Trajectory optimization algorithms | AE, math, physics |
| Landing guidance development | AE, controls |
| Navigation filter design | EE, AE, math |
| Monte Carlo simulation analysis | AE, CS, statistics |
Test engineering
Plan and execute tests on Terran R components and systems.
| Project Examples | Background |
|---|---|
| Static fire test instrumentation | ME, EE |
| Structural qualification testing | ME, AE |
| Cryogenic system testing | ME, ChemE |
| Environmental testing (vibration, thermal) | ME, EE |
Non-engineering tracks
Relativity also offers internships in business and operational functions:
| Track | Focus | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Operations | Launch campaign planning, facility management | Engineering or business |
| Supply Chain | Vendor qualification, procurement, logistics | Supply chain, industrial engineering |
| Program Management | Schedule tracking, risk management, reporting | Engineering, business, PM |
| Finance (FP&A) | Cost modeling, budget analysis, forecasting | Finance, accounting, economics |
| People Operations | Recruiting support, employee experience | HR, business, psychology |
| Marketing/Comms | Content creation, media relations | Communications, journalism, marketing |
Application timeline and process
Key dates
| Milestone | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Postings go live | September–October |
| Peak application period | October–November |
| Interview rounds | November–January |
| Offers extended | December–February |
| Summer program starts | Late May–early June |
| Program ends | Mid-August |
Application materials
- Resume — 1 page, technically focused, highlighting projects and hands-on experience
- Transcript — Unofficial is fine for initial application
- Cover letter — Optional but recommended; explain why Relativity specifically (not just "rockets")
Interview structure
| Round | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiter screen | 20 min | Background, interests, logistics |
| Technical interview | 45-60 min | Discipline-specific questions with team engineers |
| Team match (some candidates) | 30 min | Project discussion with team lead |
What technical interviews cover
The technical interview is discipline-specific:
- Propulsion: Thermodynamics fundamentals, combustion basics, fluid dynamics
- Structures: FEA methodology, material properties, load paths
- Additive manufacturing: AM process knowledge, metallurgy fundamentals
- Avionics: Circuit analysis, digital design, signal processing
- Software: Coding (Python/C++), data structures, system design
- GN&C: Controls theory, orbital mechanics, linear algebra
The interviews test fundamentals more than memorized formulas. Can you reason through a problem? Do you understand the physics? Can you explain your approach clearly?
What makes strong applications
Based on patterns in successful candidates:
- Hands-on build experience — University rocket teams, SAE competitions, personal CNC/3D printing projects, robotics
- Relevant thesis or capstone — Graduate students with thesis work in propulsion, materials, or controls are strong candidates
- Technical depth — Demonstrating deep knowledge in one area is better than shallow knowledge across many
- Genuine interest in manufacturing — Relativity is as much a manufacturing company as a rocket company. Showing interest in how things are made (not just designed) differentiates you
- Persistence — Many successful interns applied to multiple rocket companies and were rejected elsewhere. Relativity values grit
Due to ITAR regulations, all Relativity internship positions require US person status (US citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual). International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are generally not eligible unless they hold a green card. This is an industry-wide requirement for rocket companies, not specific to Relativity.
Living in Long Beach as an intern
Long Beach is an excellent city for interns — better than many aerospace locations:
- Walkable downtown — Restaurants, bars, and entertainment within walking distance
- Beach access — Belmont Shore and Alamitos Beach are nearby
- Relatively affordable — Compared to other LA neighborhoods (though still expensive by national standards)
- Other interns nearby — SpaceX (Hawthorne) and Rocket Lab (Long Beach) interns are in the same area
- 1BR rent: $2,000–$2,500; shared apartments drop this to $1,200–$1,500/person
The Relativity housing stipend helps offset costs, and many interns find shared apartments through the intern cohort Slack channel that Relativity sets up before the program starts.
Intern-to-full-time conversion
Relativity extends return offers to high-performing interns, typically in the final two weeks of the program. The conversion process includes:
- Performance evaluation by your direct manager
- Technical presentation to the broader team
- Team fit assessment
- Headcount availability for the specific role
If you receive a return offer, you can typically defer start up to 12 months (to finish your degree) and the offer will include a signing bonus.
Comparison with other rocket internships
| Factor | Relativity | SpaceX | Blue Origin | Rocket Lab |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay | $31–$38/hr | $30–$38/hr | $28–$40/hr | $25–$35/hr |
| Duration | 12 weeks | 12 weeks | 12 weeks | 10-12 weeks |
| Size | ~1,200 total | ~13,000 | ~11,000 | ~2,000 |
| Hardware proximity | Very high | High | Moderate | High |
| Unique tech | 3D printing | Reusable rockets | BE-4, New Glenn | Electron, Neutron |
| Location | Long Beach CA | Multiple | Kent WA / Huntsville | Long Beach CA |
Browse Relativity Space openings on Zero G Talent, or read our Relativity Space internship details and Rocket Lab internship guide.
