Foil Production Intern

The role

At Vessev were building a new era of transport on water. Our vessels fly above the surface using advanced hydrofoils and electric propulsion systems. A critical part of making this possible is the production of hydrofoils which combine high-performance composites precision engineering and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.

Were looking for a Production Engineering Intern to join our team. This is a hands-on role where youll contribute directly to the production testing and refinement of the hydrofoils that give our boats their flying ability. Youll be right in the middle of the action helping to turn designs into real high-performance hardware.

You dont need to be a marine or foiling expert. What matters most is curiosity problem-solving skills and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.

Internships like this dont come around often. This is a full-time fixed-term position for 400 hours paid at $30 per hour.

What youll work on

As a Foil Production Intern youll support the manufacture and validation of reliable efficient and high-performance hydrofoils. Your day-to-day could include:

• Process development: Assisting with tooling jigging kitting and production workflows to improve repeatability and efficiency.

• Testing & validation: Supporting structural and other testing to ensure foils meet performance requirements.

• Data collection & analysis: Recording test results production metrics and quality data then helping interpret findings to drive improvements.

• Hands-on fabrication: Assisting with layup curing trimming and finishing of composite test parts and foils.

• Pre-production builds: Helping manufacture and assemble early-stage foil units gaining experience in how engineering designs translate into production.

• Continuous improvement: Suggesting and trialling new methods to reduce complexity optimise manufacturing processes or improve quality.

What youll learn

During your internship youll gain:

• Real-world experience in composite production and assembly.

• Exposure to hydrofoil manufacturing processes and their integration into advanced vessels.
  Skills in quality assurance testing and process optimisation.

• Mentorship from engineers and boatbuilders who have worked on everything from Americas Cup foils to aerospace structures.

Requirements

At Vessev were looking for exceptional interns who are eager to take on real engineering challenges. You dont need to meet every single requirement to apply but we do expect drive curiosity and the ability to contribute meaningfully from day one.

You dont need to be a marine or EV expert. What matters most is curiosity problem-solving skills and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.

Qualifications & Experience

• Working towards (or recently completed) a degree in Mechanical Aerospace Materials Manufacturing or Mechatronics Engineering.

• Strong foundation in manufacturing processes and materials.

• Experience with hands-on workshop or fabrication projects through coursework internships or personal projects.

• Ability to follow and contribute to technical drawings specifications and work instructions.

• Familiarity with CAD (preferably Onshape).

Bonus experience

• Exposure to composite materials (layup curing finishing).

• Knowledge of structural mechanics and load-bearing design.

• Familiarity with production engineering systems (MRP/ERP MES).

• Experience with tool and fixture design.

• Skills in data collection analysis or process documentation.

• Hands-on experience within marine aerospace or automotive manufacturing.

An internship with impact

This is a chance to contribute to pioneering technology thats shaping the future of transport on the water. Youll leave with practical skills meaningful experience and the chance to say you helped build one of the worlds most advanced marine propulsion systems.

Our dream is for you to walk away from this internship with something youre proud of and that could only have happened at Vessev.

Our story

Were here to set a better world in motion cleaner air better commutes and deeper connections with nature and each other. Our hydrofoiling electric vessels use up to 90% less energy than traditional boats unlocking entirely new opportunities.

Were backed by top-tier investors including Blackbird Ventures and our team includes talent from the Americas Cup SpaceX Rocketlab Halter Apple and leading climate startups. But titles dont matter here what matters is how we show up: with purpose humility and a restless optimism for whats possible.

Were office-first but not office-only. We believe in building together in person where the real magic happens. That said we trust our team to do whats right and we know life isnt one-size-fits-all.

Why our people love Vessev

• Were building something different from how we move on the water to the kind of team and workplace were creating

• The chance to work on technology that can drive real lasting impact in the world

• A team of hugely talented and collaborative people

• Being on the water is part of our job from trips on our vessels to our offices that border the Tamaki River

• And if the waters where you want to be youll be in good company. Youll find no shortage of boaters beach goers sailors foilers surfers and kiteboarders here.

Join our team

To apply send us your CV and a short cover letter that gives us a sense of who you are and why youre excited for this role.

Research shows that women and other under-represented groups often only apply when they meet every requirement even though they could be an excellent fit. If you see yourself doing great work here but dont tick every box wed still love to hear from you. Were building a team where everyone has the chance to do their best work.

If you have questions please send them to

Required Experience:

Intern