Avionics Manufacturing Engineering Intern

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 humanity’s 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 THE ROLE

We're looking for a motivated intern to join our Avionics Manufacturing Engineering team in Auckland. The primary purpose of the Manufacturing Engineer Intern is to assist the facilitation and optimisation of Production and Launch vehicle system tests for a high-growth production environment, ensuring Manufacturing Principles are practised to meet stringent launch times.

The position will work closely and develop strong relationships with Engineers, Technicians, and subject matter experts across a range of departments to enable the testing and operations of the Launch Vehicle manufacturing process.

Regular activities of the Manufacturing Engineer Intern include practising Manufacturing best practices, assisting the Manufacturing Engineering team with various improvement projects, risk assessments, daily issue management and 5S related tasks.

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

• Project management - work with internal parties to complete ongoing production improvement projects
• Creation of work instructions for technicians that will work with the developed system
• Deliver engineering projects with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts across multiple departments
• Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas
• Support various improvement projects, risk assessments, and daily issue management
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or advanced degree in a relevant engineering programme with an Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering background
• Experience with electrical hardware systems, PCBA Assemblies, or instrumentation and control systems
• Self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment
• Hands-on experience through engineering project teams, lab research, or through a prior relevant internship or work experience
• Professional and positive communication skills
• Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive around growing teams and processes
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation

NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience designing and debugging electrical test infrastructure or automated test systems
• Experience developing basic automation or data analysis scripting in Python, C or similar
• Experience with one or more of the following: Manufacturing principles Process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA) Hands-on skills with Manufacturing methods
• Previous internship or project experience in manufacturing engineering

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
• 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 you submit a 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.

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.

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 [email protected] 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.