Development Engineering Intern - Neutron Thrust Module
Rocket Lab Corporation
Salary undisclosed
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Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
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.
About this role
Rocket Lab's Development Engineering Intern role on the Neutron Thrust Module puts you at the center of building a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Based in Auckland, you'll work across structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems—moving between design work in CAD, hands-on testing of components and assemblies, and contributing to the physical build of the thrust module itself. This is a broad mechanical engineering experience where you'll collaborate with analysis and manufacturing teams to take concepts through to qualification, feeding test results back into iterative design improvements.
The internship demands someone who can work under pressure on tight deadlines while maintaining analytical rigor and clear communication across disciplines. You'll need to be currently enrolled in an aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering degree program, with a genuine passion for space technology. Experience in cryogenic or pressurized systems, composites manufacturing, metallic fabrication, or CAD is valuable but not required; what matters more is your ability to think quickly, solve problems proactively, and bring a can-do attitude to real aerospace projects.
This is a genuine pathway into the space industry with mentorship from experienced engineers and exposure to cutting-edge rocket systems. The role starts in November 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. Your cover letter should clearly explain why this specific role appeals to you and reference a relevant project or experience.
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