Avionics Intern Neutron Flight Safety Systems

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 (FSS).

The Neutron FSS teamis responsible forhigh-level FSS designcomponentqualification acceptance testing and certification activities for the Neutron rocket. A core part of the Neutron FSS is the safety-critical Autonomous Flight Termination System which uses avionics hardware designed and produced in-house at our Auckland Production Complex. The team is small agile andpossessesa winning combination of sharp technical knowledge and flawless attention to detail. A unique aspect of this team is its close working relationship with US regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA.

Werelooking for a motivated and technically minded intern interested in the functional testing and qualification of avionics systems for the launch environment including the planning and execution of test campaigns across thermal vacuum and high vibration conditions. This role would suit a detail-oriented person with an electrical or mechatronic engineering skillset and experience writing Python code.

This internship will occur at an exciting time in the development phase of Neutron with many prototype systems being integrated and tested for the first time. While the focus of your project will be on the Flight Termination System you will be a valued member of the Neutron Avionicsdepartment as a whole gainingexposure to the electrical architecture across the entire launch vehicle.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Avionics Test Engineering:

• Develop plan and execute test campaigns for avionics components ensuring test requirements are fully met

• Collaborate with design engineers and external stakeholders to generate and document test requirements based on system functional requirements

• Conduct the development and verification of analytical and empirical models for electrical systems

• Completecomponentrisk analysis failure mode analysis implement design for test and perform root-cause analysis of test anomalies

Automated Test and Data Systems:

• Develop modular reusable test architectures for automated testing of mission-critical and safety-critical avionics components

• Develop automation software ( Python C or C) to interact with units-under-test automated test equipment and production systems

• Contribute to the development of data automation tools for automated test equipment and reporting

• Create documentation for procedures maintenance and calibration of new test systems

• Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed aBachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Mechatronics Engineering or related discipline

• Experience writing Python code

• Detail-oriented with strong attention to accuracy and precision

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• 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:

• Experience with automated test equipment and test system development

• Familiarity with C or C programming

• Knowledge of avionics systems and flight safety requirements

• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools

• Understanding of thermal vacuum and vibration testing environments

• Previousinternship or project experience in avionics or test engineering

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 with safety-critical systems and regulatory agencies

• 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.