Avionics Intern - Neutron Avionics Hardware

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking an Avionics Intern for Neutron Avionics Hardware in Auckland. You will help design electrical assemblies for a launch vehicle, perform schematic capture, PCB design, and support testing and troubleshooting on real space hardware.

The role offers exposure to aerospace electronics, production support, and opportunities to contribute to automated test tooling and data reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent (framing active internship)

Responsibilities

• Assist with design libraries in Altium Designer and circuit design tasks

Skills

Electronics design

PCB design

Testing and troubleshooting

Analog/digital/mixed-signal circuits

Power electronics

C/C++, Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Currently pursuing or recently completed

Tools

Altium Designer

Oscilloscopes

Data acquisition/tools

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Avionics Intern - Neutron Avionics Hardware

Avionics Intern - Neutron Avionics Hardware

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 to 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.

Neutron is Rocket Lab's new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently under development. The Neutron Avionics department is responsible for the delivery of all avionics systems across the vehicle, including integrated Avionics Hardware, flight software, and Neutron's flight safety system.

The Neutron Avionics Hardware team is responsible for the design, qualification, acceptance testing, and productionisation of 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 be assisting with 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 are literally reaching for the stars.

What You Will Do

Electrical Design:

• Assist with 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:

• Bachelor's 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 (e.g RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus), signal integrity, and grounding
• Strong communication and 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
• Previous internship 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 to cutting‑edge rocket 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

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 to submit your application as early as possible, as positions may be filled before the closing date.

Start Date:

November 2026

What To Expect

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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 other's 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.