Development Engineering Intern - Neutron Thrust Module

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ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. We're opening access to space to improve life on Earth through our Electron rocket and Neutron launch vehicle programs, alongside our space systems business. From pioneering carbon composite rocket technology to delivering reliable and rapid launch services, we're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're looking for a motivated intern to join our Neutron Mechanical team in Auckland. As a Development Engineering Intern on the Neutron Thrust Module, you'll work across a broad set of vehicle domains including structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems.

You'll collaborate directly with analysis and manufacturing engineers to produce concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic and composite components & assemblies. You'll also be hands-on in performing development and qualification tests, refining designs, and ensuring Neutron's materials, components, and assemblies meet their functional and performance requirements.

This is an opportunity to work on real space technology projects and contribute to missions that are literally reaching for the stars.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Design

Produce and rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for structures and mechanisms across Neutron's Thrust Module

Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed safely and at pace

Feed testing outcomes back into the design and manufacture process to promote continuous improvement

Produce design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs, etc.

Test

Support the testing of structures and mechanisms, including composites and metallic components, and integrated structural, mechanical and fluids assemblies

Develop test plans, monitor test activities, and post-process and document test data to verify functional and performance requirements

Produce test jigs/fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies

Build

Contribute to the build of structures and mechanisms across Neutron's Thrust Module

Author work instructions for building

Additional Responsibilities

Work under pressure to meet tight deadlines

Collaborate with engineers and team members across multiple disciplines

Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas

Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or advanced degree in aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering or equivalent qualification

Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment

Sound analytical skills and the ability to see the big picture, making connections and appropriate decisions

Tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements

Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation

NICE TO HAVE:

Experience in one or more of the following domain areas:

Cryogenic systems

Pressurised systems

Mechanical moving assemblies

Fluid systems

Hands-on composites manufacturing experience

Hands-on metallic fabrication experience

CAD proficiency

WHAT WE OFFER

Hands-on experience working on real aerospace and space technology projects

Mentorship from world-class engineers and industry professionals

Exposure to cutting-edge rocket and spacecraft systems

Professional development opportunities in the space industry

Collaborative and innovative work environment

Opportunity to contribute to missions that make a difference

Potential pathway to future career opportunities at Rocket Lab

HOW TO APPLY

Please ensure you submit a cover letter, detailing why you are interested in the specific role you have applied for. Please make sure to cite a project/experience/hobby that is relevant to the role.

Application Deadline: Friday, 28th August 2026

Please note: We will be reviewing and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis as applications are received. We strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible, as positions may be filled before the closing date.

Start Date: November 2026

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.