RF Test Engineering Intern

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.

While other companies talk about it we do it!

ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. Youll work alongside driven talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design analysis prototyping testing manufacturing assembly and integration quality control engineering documentation and more.

RF Test Engineer Intern Neutron Launch Vehicle

The Mission As an RF Test Engineer Intern you wont just be watching from the sidelinesyoull be a frontline contributor to the certification of Neutron our next-generation medium-lift launch vehicle. You will partner with elite RF and System Engineers to push hardware to its absolute limits ensuring our tech survives the brutal environments of re-use and meets the rigorous standards of national security missions.

What Youll Achieve

• Command a High-Performance Portfolio: Get hands-on with the hardware that makes flight possible including advanced radios high-gain antennas amplifiers and complex passive systems.

• Architect the Test Strategy: Dont just follow a checklist. Youll define comprehensive test campaigns tailored to cut-edge regulatory and customer requirements.

• Bridge the Engineering Gap: Act as the technical glue between RF Avionics and Manufacturing teams to build fit-for-purpose test solutions that actually work in the real world.

• Build the Future: Design adapt or build the very test assets and ground support equipment used to validate our flight hardware.

• Lead the Charge: Own the execution of critical qualification testsfrom S-parameters and noise figures to the shake and bake of thermal cycling vibration shock and leakage.

What You Bring to the Launchpad

• The Academic Foundation: Currently pursuing a degree in Electronics Communications or RF Engineering (or equivalent).

• The Maker Mindset: Real-world hands-on experience with the heavy hitters of the lab: VNAs Spectrum Analyzers and Signal Generators.

• Theoretical Sharpness: A solid grasp of transmission line theory and the physics of how signals move.

• The Drive: A passion for space systems and a desire to see your work leave the atmosphere.

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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.