Avionics Development Intern

About the role

Rocket Lab Corporation is looking for an Avionics Development Intern to join their Auckland-based team. This internship gives students the chance to work on real avionics systems that are used in orbital launch vehicles and spacecraft platforms. The intern will gain direct experience with the design, testing, and integration of electronic hardware that supports flight missions. Working side by side with senior engineers, the intern will contribute to projects that help Rocket Lab deliver dedicated small satellite launch services to customers around the world. The intern will also have the opportunity to learn about the full product development cycle from concept through to flight qualification in a professional aerospace setting.

Key facts

What you'll do

1) Support the design and integration of avionics hardware for launch vehicles and spacecraft systems.

2) Assist in developing electronic circuits and printed circuit board layouts for flight hardware.

3) Participate in testing and validation of avionics components under simulated flight conditions.

4) Help prepare documentation including test plans, design reviews, and technical reports for avionics subsystems.

5) Work with sensor and actuator subsystems that interface with the vehicle guidance and navigation systems.

6) Contribute to the assembly and integration of avionics units in the manufacturing cleanroom environment.

7) Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software, structures, and propulsion engineers on system-level issues.

8) Learn to use laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and thermal chambers for avionics testing.

9) Support the debugging and troubleshooting of avionics hardware during integration and ground test campaigns.

10) Attend design reviews and technical meetings to understand system architecture and requirements for future iterations.

11) Help maintain and update avionics configuration databases and part inventories used in the development program.

12) Gain exposure to space-qualified hardware processes and standards that govern flight electronics design.

13) Participate in reviews of avionics requirements and help trace them through to verification and validation activities.

Requirements

1) Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field.

2) Strong understanding of fundamental electronics including analog and digital circuit design principles.

3) Familiarity with printed circuit board design tools and basic schematic capture software.

4) Knowledge of microcontroller or FPGA platforms used in embedded avionics applications.

5) Ability to work both independently and as part of a small engineering team in a collaborative setting.

6) Good written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical documentation and presenting results.

7) Willingness to learn new tools and processes quickly in a dynamic aerospace development environment.

8) Authorization to work in New Zealand or hold a valid student visa that permits internship employment.

Nice to have

1) Prior experience with soldering, wiring, or hardware assembly in a lab or maker environment.

2) Coursework or projects involving real-time embedded systems or control electronics.

3) Familiarity with space industry standards such as ECSS or NASA-STD-8739 for electronic hardware.

4) Background in programming languages like C or Python for test automation and data analysis.

Skills & tools

1) Printed circuit board design and layout software such as Altium Designer or KiCad.

2) Oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, and other electronic test and measurement instruments.

3) Microcontroller development platforms including Arduino, STM32, or similar embedded systems.

4) Basic understanding of thermal and vibration testing equipment used in avionics qualification.

5) Version control systems and technical writing tools for documentation management.

6) Computer-aided design software for mechanical enclosure and chassis design of avionics units.

Practical notes

1) The internship is based at Rocket Lab's Auckland facility in New Zealand and is not a remote position.

2) Interns should expect a structured program with mentorship from senior avionics engineers on the team.

3) The role may require working in a cleanroom or manufacturing area with appropriate safety training and attire.

4) Interns are expected to commit to the full duration of the internship period as outlined in the offer letter.

5) This position is ideal for students seeking practical aerospace experience before completing their degree program.

6) The Auckland office is located near the Rocket Lab launch site on the Mahia Peninsula, offering exposure to launch operations.

7) Rocket Lab's Auckland campus includes access to launch range facilities and satellite integration cleanrooms for hands-on learning.