RF Test Engineer Intern

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on RF systems experience

Mentorship from RF/avionics engineers

Exposure to cutting-edge RF technology

Professional development in space

Opportunity with Neutron program

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a motivated RF Test Engineering Intern to join our RF Development team at the Auckland Production Complex. You will help certify RF systems for our Neutron launch vehicle and work with RF, avionics, and manufacturing teams to build fit-for-purpose test campaigns.

This hands-on internship offers exposure to RF test equipment, S-parameters, noise figure, and environmental testing, with mentorship from world-class engineers and a direct path to future opportunities

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics/Communications RF Engineering.
• Hands-on RF test equipment experience (signal generators, VNAs, spectrum analyzers).
• Knowledge of transmission line theory.
• Strong problem-solving and ownership mindset in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Work with a portfolio of RF components, including radios, amplifiers, passives, and antennas.
• Define test campaigns for RF components based on regulatory and customer requirements.
• Collaborate across RF, Avionics, and Manufacturing teams to develop fit-for-purpose test campaigns.
• Adapt or build test assets for executing your test campaigns.
• Lead execution of qualification testing including S-parameters, noise figure, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, and leakage testing.
• Document test results and contribute to technical reports.

Skills

RF test equipment

Transmission line theory

Problem solving

Ownership mentality

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (pursuing)

Tools

VNAs

Signal generators

Spectrum analyzers

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.

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 rocket has 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.

About the Role

We're looking for a motivated intern to join our RF Development team at our Auckland Production Complex. As an RF Test Engineering Intern, you will play an important role in the certification of the RF systems used to support Rocket Lab's Neutron launch vehicle.

You will work closely with RF system and RF test engineers to qualify RF components against the demands of re-use and national security programs. This role offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge RF technology while contributing to the development of our next-generation launch vehicle.

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

• Work with a portfolio of RF components, including radios, amplifiers, passives, and antennas
• Define test campaigns for RF components based on regulatory and customer requirements
• Collaborate across RF, Avionics, and Manufacturing teams to develop fit-for-purpose test campaigns
• Adapt or build test assets for executing your test campaigns
• Lead execution of qualification testing, including S-parameters, noise figure, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, and leakage testing
• Support the qualification of RF systems for reusable launch vehicle applications
• Document test results and contribute to technical reports

General Responsibilities:

• Take ownership for completion of tasks personally delivering results
• Commit to and complete tasks within expected time frame, holding yourself accountable
• Manage your own task list and execute allocated tasks to assigned deadlines
• Communicate effectively with peers using appropriate mediums (email, tickets, meetings)
• Support specific tasks for other teammates when asked and appropriately trained
• Participate in identifying business challenges and contributing to solutions
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed

What We Are Looking For

Must Have:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Communications Engineering, RF Engineering, or equivalent
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment (signal generators, VNAs, spectrum analyzers)
• Knowledge of transmission line theory
• Ability to apply engineering and industry concepts and theories
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate technical challenges
• Takes ownership and accountability for task completion by delivering results
• Positive attitude and "How can I help?" mentality
• Self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams
• Can listen and internalize all sides of technical discussions
• Proactive communicator, comfortable seeking help when needed to get unblocked
• Professional and positive communication skills

Nice to Have:

• Experience with RF component qualification testing
• Understanding of aerospace RF systems and requirements
• Familiarity with regulatory and customer RF requirements (e.g., FCC, RTCA DO-160)
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock)
• Knowledge of RF measurement techniques and best practices
• Experience with test automation or scripting
• Familiarity with CAD tools for RF design
• Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation

What We Offer

• Hands-on experience working on real aerospace RF systems for launch vehicles
• Mentorship from world-class RF and avionics engineers
• Exposure to cutting-edge RF technology and testing methodologies
• Professional development opportunities in the space industry
• Collaborative and innovative work environment at our Auckland Production Complex
• Direct contribution to Rocket Lab's Neutron launch vehicle program
• Experience working on reusable launch vehicle technology and national security programs
• Opportunity to contribute to missions that make a difference
• Potential pathway to future career opportunities at Rocket Lab

Additional Information

• Domestic and international travel may be required
• Must be able to wear correct PPE in designated areas
• Must report near-misses and incidents promptly
• Additional duties as reasonably required

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.

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 ******@rocketlabusa.com. 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