Development Engineering Intern - Neutron Thrust Module

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 17,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ, is seeking a Development Engineering Intern to join the Neutron Mechanical team working on the Thrust Module. You will design, test, and build components across structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal domains while collaborating with analysis and manufacturing engineers.

You'll gain hands-on experience performing development and qualification tests, refining designs to meet functional requirements, and contributing to space technology projects with real impact.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or advanced degree in aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment.
• Sound analytical skills and the ability to see the big picture, making connections and appropriate decisions.
• Tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgments.
• Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Produce and rapidly iterate CAD designs for structures and mechanisms across Neutron's Thrust Module.
• Identify and solve technical challenges to keep projects moving safely and quickly.
• Feed test outcomes back into the design and manufacturing process for continuous improvement.
• Support testing of structures and mechanisms, including composites and metals.
• Develop test plans, monitor tests, and document data to verify requirements.
• Produce test jigs and fixtures for fabrication and development testing.
• Contribute to building structures and mechanisms across Neutron's Thrust Module.
• Author work instructions for building.
• Work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborate with engineers across disciplines.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas.
• Ensure health and safety policies are followed.

Skills

Aerospace Eng / Mechanical Eng / Mech‑

Under pressure

Teamwork

Communication

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Passion for aerospace

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical/mechatronic engineering

Master's degree in aerospace/mechanical/mechatronic engineering

Advanced degree in related field

Job description

Development Engineering Intern - Neutron Thrust Module

Auckland, NZ

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.

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.

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems.We'reopening 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 services,we'repushing the boundaries ofwhat'spossible in aerospace.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We'relooking for a motivated intern to join our Neutron Mechanical team in Auckland. As a Development Engineering Intern on the Neutron Thrust Module,you'llwork across a broad set of vehicle domains including structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems.

You'llcollaborate directly with analysis and manufacturing engineers to produce concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic and composite components & assemblies.You'llalso be hands-on in performing development and qualification tests, refining designs, and ensuring Neutron's materials, components, and assemblies meet their functional and performance requirements.

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

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Design

• Produce and rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for structures and mechanisms across Neutron's Thrust Module
• Proactivelyidentifyand solve technical challenges to allow projects toproceedsafely and at pace
• Feed testing outcomes back into the design and manufacture process to promote continuous improvement

Test

• Support the testing of structures and mechanisms, including composites and metallic components, and integrated structural, mechanical and fluids assemblies
• Develop test plans,monitortest activities, and post-process and document test data to verify functional and performance requirements
• Produce test jigs/fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies

Build

• Contribute to the build of structures and mechanisms across Neutron's Thrust Module
• Author work instructions for building

Additional Responsibilities

• Work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• Collaborate with engineers and team members across multiple disciplines
• Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas
• Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or advanced degree in aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering or equivalent qualification
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment
• Sound analytical skills and the ability to see the big picture, making connections andappropriate decisions
• Tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and makeaccuratejudgements
• Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation

NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in one or more of the following domain areas:
• Cryogenic systems
• Pressurisedsystems
• Mechanical moving assemblies
• Hands-on composites manufacturing experience
• Hands-on metallic fabrication experience

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
• 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

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.

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 [e-mail]. 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.