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Avionics Intern Neutron Avionics Hardware

Rocket Lab


Job Location:

Auckland - New Zealand

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 5 August 2026 (30 days ago)
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space access to space to improve life on Earth through our Electron rocket and Neutron launch vehicle programs alongside our space systems business. From pioneering carbon composite rocket technology to delivering reliable and rapid launch serviceswerepushing the boundaries ofwhatspossible in aerospace.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Neutron is Rocket Labs new medium-lift reusable launch vehicle currently under development. The Neutron Avionics departmentis responsible forthe delivery of all avionics systems across the vehicle including integrated Avionics Hardware flight software and Neutrons flight safety system.

The Neutron Avionics Hardware teamis responsible forthe design qualification acceptance testing andproductionisationof the avionics components on the vehicle.

As an intern in the Neutron Avionics Hardware team you will have the opportunity to contribute to the design of electronic assemblies for the Neutron launch vehicle specialist ground support equipment and production automation tools. This includes conducting trade-studies schematic capture PCB design as well as some testing and hands-on troubleshooting. As an important part of the design team you will beassistingwith the development and maintenance of our components and make meaningful contributions to the longevity of the designs and production processes.

This is an opportunity to work on real space technology projects and contribute to missions that areliterally reachingfor the stars.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Electrical Design:

  • Assistwith the creation maintenance and management of design libraries in Altium Designer
  • Perform design tasks such as circuit design verification and characterization
  • Participate in the production release of electrical BOMs and designs
  • Hands-on development of prototype designs for R&D applications
  • Participate in development of tools and processes for automated testing and reporting of avionics components

Electrical Testing:

  • Participate and support test campaigns for in-house and commercial avionics components
  • Support engineering activities for the build and commissioning of automated test equipment
  • Support the development of data automation and reporting tools
  • Commission and debug electrical test equipment. Train and provide support on the use of automated test equipment
  • Collaborate with engineers and team members across multiple departments
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

  • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering or equivalent (currently pursuing or recently completed)
  • 0-1 years of experience with electronics design
  • 0-1 years of experience with testing and troubleshooting electronics
  • Experience designing and implementing analog digital or mixed-signal circuit PCBs from concept through to production
  • Familiarity in electronics principles and electrical systems including power electronics communication systems (-422 SPI Ethernet CAN bus) signal integrity and grounding
  • Strong communicationand interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
  • Passion for aerospace space technology and innovation

NICE TO HAVE:

  • Understanding of instrumentation interfaces and sensors including power supplies oscilloscopes serial devices and accelerometers thermocouples RTDs and 4-20 mA sensors
  • Understanding of battery systems
  • Understanding of programming language scripting tools and automation (C/C Python)
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal including creating material for distribution to external parties
  • Ability to work independently in an autonomously driven fast-paced environment
  • Previousinternship or project experience in avionics hardware or electronics design

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Hands-on experience working on real aerospace and space technology projects
  • Mentorship from world-class engineers and industry professionals
  • Exposure tocutting-edgerocket and spacecraft systems
  • Opportunity to work on avionics hardware for a reusable launch vehicle
  • Professional development opportunities in the space industry
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Opportunity to contribute to missions that make a difference
  • Potential pathway to future career opportunities at Rocket Lab

HOW TO APPLY

Please ensure yousubmita cover letter detailing why you are interested in the specific role you have applied for. Please make sure to cite a project/experience/hobby that is relevant to the role.

Application Deadline:Friday 28th August 2026

Please note:We will be reviewing and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis as applications are received. We strongly encourage you tosubmityour application as early as possible as positions may be filled before the closing date.

Start Date:November 2026

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 here ITAR Regulations.


Required Experience:

Intern


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The end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components.

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