Manufacturing Engineering Intern

Manufacturing & Operationsposted 5w ago

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 Manufacturing Engineering team in Auckland. The primary purpose of the Manufacturing Engineer Intern is to support production activities within a high-growth production environment, ensuring manufacturing principles are practised to a high standard and ensuring stringent launch times can be achieved.

This position will support the mechanical production manufacturing engineering team with their deliverables. Mechanical production builds and tests a wide variety of parts that make up systems throughout the Electron launch vehicle and bespoke Space Systems projects, from simple structural assemblies to high-precision sealed pressure components.

The role will also work closely and develop strong relationships with technicians, engineers and subject matter experts from a range of disciplines and departments to enable the build and testing of launch vehicles.

Regular activities of the manufacturing engineering team can be summed up as practical problem solving over a wide variety of systems and situations, so the ability to remain flexible while applying sound, risk-based engineering decision making processes is critical to success.

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

Review and process non-conformances
Provide support to develop, implement and optimise processes, tools and equipment for production
Support team members during product and process changes through prototyping, testing and validation
Collaborate with technicians, engineers and subject matter experts across multiple disciplines
Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas
Apply practical problem-solving skills across a wide variety of systems and situations

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

Currently studying towards a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering or related discipline
Good communicator with proven ability to write clear and concise technical documentation in English language
'Can do' approach and flexible mindset, keen to take on a variety of new challenges in a fast-moving environment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Passion for the aerospace industry

NICE TO HAVE:

Mechanical and fluid systems design experience
Experience in CAD design
Experience using or maintaining ERP and PLM/PDM systems
Knowledge of production quality metrics
Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
Familiarity with manufacturing and manufacturing/project engineering processes
Previous experience working in a development or production environment

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.