Mechanical Engineering Intern

black.ai; Auckland; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Vessev is seeking a mechanical engineering intern to help design, test, and refine hydrofoil mechanisms for our electric vessels. You’ll work with the engineering team on prototype builds, test rigs, and on-water validation, gaining experience across design, testing, and data-driven improvement.

You don't need to be an expert yet; we value curiosity and practical problem-solving. You’re pursuing or recently completed a mechanical engineering degree and excited to contribute from day one.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed a Mechanical Engineering degree.
• Strong mechanical design, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience taking designs from prototype to production is a plus.
• Ability to create, interpret, and communicate technical drawings and assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with hands-on testing of foil mechanisms in workshop and on-water environments.
• Support CAD development of components, fixtures, and test rigs.
• Build, assemble, and commission prototypes and test equipment.
• Collect and analyze data from sensors and data logging tools.
• Contribute to continuous improvement to lift reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD

Data analysis

Prototype testing

Python

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

FEA

CFD

Job description

At Vessev, we're defining a new category of marine transport: hydrofoiling electric vessels that are genuinely better for people and the planet. Our boats fly above the surface using advanced hydrofoils, control systems, and electric propulsion, designed and built here in Aotearoa.

At the heart of this technology are the foil mechanisms that control the movement and performance of our hydrofoils, enabling stable, efficient, and reliable flight across a wide range of conditions. We're looking for an intern to get hands-on with the design, development, testing, and refinement of these mechanical systems, helping turn innovative concepts into robust, high-performance hardware. Internships like this don't come around often. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 400 hours, paid at $30 per hour.

The role

You'll work alongside our engineering team to support the mechanisms that actuate and control our hydrofoils, from prototype builds and test rigs through to on-vessel validation. No two weeks will look the same. One day you might be running durability tests on the water, the next you'll be in CAD refining a fixture or commissioning a prototype in the workshop.

• Assist with hands-on testing, supporting performance, durability, and validation testing of foil mechanisms in both workshop and on-water environments.
• Support design work in CAD, developing components, fixtures, test rigs, and prototypes, and helping transition designs from concept through to production-ready.
• Help build and commission prototypes, manufacturing, assembling, and commissioning prototype foil mechanisms and test equipment.
• Collect and analyse data, using sensors and data logging tools to capture test results, analyse system performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, bringing ideas that improve reliability, simplify designs, optimise manufacturing, and lift performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally, working closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers to develop innovative solutions and bring new technology to life.

What you'll learn

• Gain real-world experience in mechanical design, testing, validation, and product development for high-performance hydrofoil systems.
• Get exposure to advanced foil mechanisms, actuation systems, and precision engineering, and how they enable stable, efficient flight above the water.
• Build practical skills in CAD, prototyping, design iteration, data analysis, test rig development, and mechanical problem-solving.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers on cutting-edge marine technology.
• Receive mentorship from industry experts who've contributed to America's Cup racing yachts, high-performance motorsport, aerospace, and advanced electric propulsion systems.

About you

You don't need to be a marine or hydrofoil expert. What matters most is curiosity, practical problem-solving ability, and enthusiasm for designing, building, testing, and improving innovative mechanical systems. You're working towards (or have recently finished) a mechanical engineering degree, and you're excited by the idea of contributing to real engineering challenges from day one, not just watching from the sidelines.

We're looking for someone with

• A recently completed or is working towards, a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• A strong grasp of mechanical component and system design, analysis, and optimisation.
• Experience taking designs from prototype through to production, through coursework, personal projects, or previous internships.
• Ability to create, interpret, and communicate using technical drawings, specifications, and assembly instructions.

Bonus experience

• Exposure to electric propulsion systems or actuation technologies.
• Understanding of applied fluid dynamics in real-world systems.
• Practical experience with FEA, CFD, or other simulation tools.
• Ability to run data analysis in Python (or similar).
• Background or hands-on involvement in the marine, aerospace, or motorsport industries.

About us

We're here to set a better world in motion: cleaner air, better commutes, and deeper connections with nature and each other. Our hydrofoiling electric vessels use up to 90% less energy than traditional boats, unlocking entirely new opportunities.

We're backed by top-tier investors including Blackbird Ventures, and our team includes talent from the America's Cup, SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Halter, Apple, and leading climate startups. But titles don't matter here. What matters is how we show up: with purpose, humility, and a restless optimism for what's possible.

We're office-first but not office-only. We believe in building together, in person, where the real magic happens. That said, we trust our team to do what's right and we know life isn't one-size-fits-all.

Why our people love Vessev

• We're building something different, from how we move on the water to the kind of team and workplace we're creating.
• The chance to work on technology that can drive real, lasting impact in the world.
• A team of hugely talented and collaborative people.
• Competitive salaries that reflect the value of the work.
• Being on the water is part of our job, from trips on our vessels to our offices that border the Tamaki River.
• And if the water's where you want to be, you'll be in good company. You'll find no shortage of boaters, beach goers, sailors, foilers, surfers, and kiteboarders here.

Research shows that women and other under-represented groups often only apply when they meet every requirement, even though they could be an excellent fit. If you see yourself doing great work here, but don't tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you. We're building a team where everyone has the chance to do their best work.

Applications close Sunday 13th September.