Propulsion Systems 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 key part of this technology is our Motorpod which combines propulsion cooling and structural integration into a single system.

Were looking for an intern to join our team focusing on Motorpod testing and development. This is a hands-on role where youll be right in the middle of design testing and production helping to turn ideas into working systems.

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 Propulsion Systems intern youll help ensure our systems are safe reliable and high-performing. Your day-to-day could include:

• Hands-on testing: Assisting with performance durability and cooling tests of the Motorpod in lab and on-water environments.

• Data collection & analysis: Using sensors and logging tools to capture results then helping analyse data to spot improvements.

• Design support: Working in CAD to refine test rigs and prototypes to production designs and troubleshoot issues.

• Pre-production unit fabrication: Helping build and assemble early-stage Motorpod units giving you direct experience with how designs translate into physical parts.

• Continuous improvement: Suggesting ideas to improve efficiency reduce complexity or optimise performance.

What youll learn

During your internship youll gain:

• Real-world experience in mechanical testing and validation.

• Exposure to electric propulsion systems and how they integrate with advanced vessels.

• Skills in CAD prototyping data analysis and structural testing.

• Mentorship from engineers who have worked on everything from Americas Cup boats to rocket systems.

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 Engineering or a closely related field.

• Strong grasp of mechanical component and system design analysis and optimisation.

• Experience taking designs from prototype through to production either in coursework personal projects or internships.

• Ability to create interpret and communicate using technical drawings specifications and assembly instructions.

Bonus experience

• Exposure to electric propulsion systems or actuation technologies.

• Understanding of applied fluid dynamics in real-world systems.

• Practical experience with FEA CFD or other simulation tools.

• Ability to run data analysis in Python (or similar).

• Background or hands-on involvement in the marine aerospace or motorsport industries.

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