Spacecraft Operations Automation 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 SPACE SYSTEMS AT ROCKET LAB:

Rocket Labs Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels flight software reaction wheels and star trackers separation systems radios and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers technicians and designers who design create and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial government and defense sectors or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• The Spacecraft Operations Intern Engineer at Rocket Lab in Auckland New Zealand supports the Spacecraft Operations team by integrating AI tools and enhancing ground software with AI features to improve spacecraft operations. This internship offers hands-on experience across the entire spacecraft operations ecosystem including missions ranging from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) science and service constellations to interplanetary missions. The intern will help maintain the health and safety of Rocket Labs growing fleet ensuring mission objectives and service level agreements are met.

  Responsibilities include supporting diverse missionssuch as LEO on-orbit manufacturing deep space missions and constellation managementacross all phases from commissioning and orbit raising to routine operations and re-entry. The role involves close collaboration with teams in spacecraft design assembly integration and testing (AIT) flight software propulsion guidance navigation and control (GNC) flight dynamics and ground software development. Rocket Labs vertically integrated approach provides interns with exposure to a wide range of technical products and responsibilities making this a unique opportunity to develop both spacecraft operations and software AI skills.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• • Bachelors or Masters degree with a major in software development.
  • Demonstrated success working in dynamic environments with multiple priorities (e.g. university projects internships).
  • Proficiency in software development (Python Shell Linux TeamCity GitLab pipelines).
  • Solid foundation in AI preferred (machine learning neural networks generative AI etc.).

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• • Able to provide an idea/solution on path forward when faced with an engineering challenge.
  • Able to share knowledge on effectiveness of theories and concepts.
  • Exposure to modern development practices (GIT CI/CD cloud infrastructure).
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Strong documentation and communication skills.

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.