Development Intern - Ion Propulsion

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 rockethas 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. 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 1700 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 NASAs 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 were 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 were 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 were 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

DURATION:6-9 MONTH INTERNSHIP

As an Ion Propulsion Avionics Intern youll play a hands-on role in the development qualification and production of cutting-edge avionics hardware for space-based ion propulsion systems. Working closely with experienced engineers and technicians youll contribute directly to mission-critical systems developing real hardware and software that will fly in space.

This is a high-impact internship where you wont just observe-youll build test debug and improve systems used on real missions. Youll be part of a multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of space technology.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Support full-lifecycle development of electronic systems: requirements design prototyping schematic capture PCB layout testing and production.
• Develop and test sub-circuits (digital analog power) for use in extreme environments.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of component libraries in Altium Vault.
• Conduct testing campaigns for flight and ground support avionics.
• Assist in failure investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Develop automation tools in Python and/or C/C for testing and data collection.
• Support manufacturing calibration and commissioning of test equipment.
• Document procedures contribute to peer reviews and support test system training.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.

WHAT YOULL 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.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelors or masters program in Electrical Engineering or a related field with an electrical focus.
• Strong interest in electronics embedded systems and space hardware.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented with a proactive problem-solving mindset.
• Demonstrated ownership of projects and tasks.
• Able to work hands-on in a lab environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with student projects (e.g. Rocketry FSAE CubeSats).
• Familiarity with Altium Designer Python C/C or embedded systems.
• Understanding of test equipment (oscilloscopes power supplies serial interfaces etc.).
• Knowledge of microcontrollers FPGAs and digital/analog circuit design.
• Exposure to National Instruments platforms (DAQ PXI cRIO).
• Familiarity with mechanical design tools (e.g. Siemens NX).

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

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.