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.

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ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA's Artemis program, launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the moon. Then we became just the second company to successfully complete re-entry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time. Soon we're going to Mars! Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science missions with the University of California Berkeley and NASA. We manufacture single bespoke satellites for highly complex missions, through to entire constellations. And we're unique in offering vertical integration with our in-house satellite components too. This means we can move fast, design and build components exactly the way we want them and constantly innovate.

Our Space Systems team does the impossible, taking on the most challenging and rewarding missions - and we're only just getting started! This role offers a rare opportunity to be part of our growing team. You will collaborate with exceptionally talented and dedicated people, pushing boundaries, and reshaping what is possible - together.

INTERN - ION PROPULSION AVIONICS

As an intern in the Space Systems Ion Propulsion team at Rocket Lab, you will get to take responsibility for projects supporting the development and testing of the Gauss electric propulsion system. In this role you will work in close collaboration with engineers and technicians, working hands on with hardware and making meaningful contributions to technology that will fly on many different missions in the future. This is a high impact role where you won’t just observe – you will build, test, debug, and improve systems used on real missions and flight hardware. Rocket Lab is a place where each individual has real impact on mission success, and many opportunities to do career-defining work.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Support the development, qualification, and acceptance testing of the individual components of Gauss, as well as the complete system

Design, procure, assemble, and commission instrumentation, tooling, and test rigs
Perform mechanical and fluidics testing of components, including test setup, data collection, and analysis
Support modifications, maintenance, and debugging on vacuum chamber and GSE systems for hall thruster testing
Produce design and test documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs etc.
Proactively raise issues related to quality and/or continuous improvement

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:

Hands-on experience working on flight hardware.
Mentorship from leading engineers in space propulsion systems.
An opportunity to make real contributions to space missions-including Mars exploration.
A fast-paced, high-growth, and deeply collaborative environment.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or master's program in mechatronics engineering, engineering physics, or a related field with an electrical focus.
Interest in electrical and mechanical engineering with strong grasp of the fundamentals of both

Hands-on experience with manufacturing and/or testing hardware
Experience with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment
A can-do attitude, high attention to detail, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Experience with student projects (e.g., Rocketry, FSAE, CubeSats).
Experience working with high voltage, plasma, electric propulsion, or electromagnetics

Experience with electromechanical actuators, tuning and testing dynamic control systems
Experience with thermal analysis and testing methodologies
Experience with data acquisition systems and test automation
Industry work experience in a fast-paced development environment

Ready to launch your engineering career into orbit? Join Rocket Lab's Ion Propulsion team and help power the future of space travel.

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 [email protected].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.

Development Intern - Ion Propulsion

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