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Rocket Lab • Auckland, NZ, New Zealand
Salary: 39;re</spa
Role: Design and Test Engineering Intern (student-level, Mechanical or Mechatronics focus)
Instrumentation design and data acquisition for structural testing
CAD experience
Fundamentals of structural design, mechanics of materials
Team communication and documentation
Instrumentation System Design: fully design instrumentation for tank structural testing
System Delivery: provide a ready-to-use instrumentation system for structural tests
Structural Design Support: assist in design of primary structures and related hardware for testing
Current student pursuing Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering
Basic understanding of structural design and mechanics of materials
Basic understanding of engineering instrumentation
Basic CAD experience
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Attention to detail and proactive learning
More advanced CAD proficiency
Experience with instrumentation data collection and monitoring during tests
Exposure to composite structures or launch-vehicle testing
On-site, full-time, minimum 12 consecutive weeks
Start around November 2025
US or New Zealand offices (ITAR/compliance considerations may apply)
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 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 THE TEAM
Join our dynamic team responsible for the mechanical and structural delivery of the Neutron Launch Vehicle Stage 2, Stage 1 Tank Module, and Payload Module at Rocket Lab! We are at the forefront of innovation, ensuring the integrity and performance of our primary structures through rigorous testing and advanced instrumentation.
As a Design and Test Engineering Intern, you will play a crucial role in our Neutron composite structures test campaigns. Your primary responsibility will be to deliver the instrumentation systems used to monitor the health and failure points of our primary structures during structural test campaigns, as well as support the design of those structures. Specifically, you will:
1. Instrumentation System Design: Fully design all instrumentation systems for tank structural testing.
2. System Delivery: Deliver a ready-to-use instrumentation system for structural testing.
3. Structural Design Engineering: Assist with design of our primary structures and supporting hardware for testing said structures.
Current student in pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics Engineering.
Basic understanding of structural design and mechanics of materials.
Basic understanding of engineering instrumentation.
Basic CAD experience.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Attention to detail and a proactive approach to learning and development.
WHY JOIN US?
Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience in designing and delivering instrumentation systems for high-stakes structural testing.
Professional Growth: Develop your skills and knowledge in a supportive and innovative environment.
Broad Exposure: Work on a variety of projects and interact with different aspects of rocket design and operations.
Impactful Work: Contribute to projects that play a crucial role in ensuring the success and safety of our launch vehicles.
If you're a motivated student with a passion for structural design, mechanics of materials, and engineering instrumentation, apply now to join Rocket Lab as a Design and Test Engineering Intern and help us push the boundaries of space exploration!
REQUIREMENT:
Must be available to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning November 2025.
When applying, include a detailed cover letter stating what interests you about Rocket Lab and this role in particular. Feel free to be creative and stand out in your application and introduction to the team at Rocket Lab.
Be sure to include relevant experience/personal or school projects you have completed that align with this role and why you believe you would be the best candidate for this role.
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.
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 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.