Development Engineering Intern
Job description
About the role
This position centers on advancing the thermal protection strategy for Rocket Lab's Neutron launch vehicle. You will drive tasks from initial setup through final documentation, taking full ownership of test activities with disciplined execution. The work emphasizes measured progress, precise records, and reliable delivery. You will directly support the evaluation and maturation of thermal protection systems critical to Neutron's performance and safety. This role provides a structured pathway to apply academic knowledge to real-world space hardware challenges. You will engage with cross-functional teams to ensure testing aligns with program objectives and quality standards. The position emphasizes hands-on contribution to data collection, analysis, and reporting that influence engineering decisions. Your efforts will help build the foundation for future testing protocols and design improvements within the organization.
Key facts
What you will do
Design intake checks for material samples and associated test data to inform early thermal engineering decisions and ensure baseline integrity.
Construct fixtures and test rigs that allow repeatable thermal measurement under controlled conditions while adhering to safety and quality standards.
Review test outcomes against defined requirements, identify deviations, and document conclusions for team review to support clear decision-making.
Package experimental data in formats that support design choices and mission planning activities, enabling efficient knowledge transfer.
Collaborate with analysts and suppliers to align thermal models with observed hardware behavior, refining understanding of system performance.
Coordinate schedules and resource needs to move testing smoothly from planning to execution, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.
Protect data integrity through careful logging, version control, and traceable entries that uphold auditability and reliability.
Refine testing methods by proposing protocol adjustments and tooling enhancements for future iterations, contributing to continuous improvement.
Support the integration of thermal protection solutions within the broader spacecraft systems context, ensuring compatibility and functionality.
Assist in the preparation of technical reports and summaries that communicate findings to internal stakeholders and external partners effectively.
Participate in reviews and design discussions, offering insights gained from test execution and data analysis to guide next steps.
Maintain test environments and equipment in a safe and orderly condition, promoting a culture of responsibility and operational excellence.
Follow established procedures for test execution, ensuring consistency, repeatability, and compliance with project standards.
Contribute to the development of test strategies that address technical risk and support the validation of thermal protection approaches.
Requirements
You must be enrolled in a relevant study program and eligible to work in the role without requiring sponsorship in the location.
You must possess three years of experience conducting thermal testing or work in related test environments that involve measurement and analysis.
You must manage time safely around high energy hardware and follow strict procedural controls to prevent incidents and ensure accuracy.
You must communicate clearly in both written and spoken form while working across distributed teams and diverse stakeholders.
You must demonstrate attention to detail when handling test data, documentation, and system records to maintain high standards.
You must be able to work independently and as part of a team, balancing self-direction with collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
You must be available to work in the Auckland location during the internship period and adhere to site access requirements.
You must comply with organizational policies, safety guidelines, and quality procedures throughout the duration of the engagement.
Nice to have
Experience with metallic thermal protection systems and composite structures is preferred and may provide deeper insight into system behavior.
Skills and tools
No specific tools are listed for this role, allowing flexibility in approach and adaptation to project needs.
Practical notes
Confirm details on the official application page for any updates on scheduling or documentation expectations.
This is an internship position based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a compensation rate of $28.00 per hour.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand without sponsorship is required for this engagement.
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab operates as an end-to-end space company, delivering launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and related solutions. The goal is to broaden access to space. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has deployed more than 230 satellites. The company is also developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for constellations. Its Space Systems business designs satellites and components, including hardware for NASA Moon and Mars missions and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
About the role (Rocket Lab summary)
Rocket Lab seeks a motivated intern to join the Neutron Thermal Protection Systems team in Auckland. The role adds capacity for progressing key Thermal Protection Systems objectives. You will work on current thermal protection technologies for Neutron. The internship also provides a pathway for evaluating candidates for junior engineering roles and builds familiarity between the local candidate pool and the organization. This is an opportunity to engage with real space technology projects and contribute to missions that reach for the stars.
What you'll do
Rocket Lab Corporation builds and flies Electron, an orbital rocket that places small satellites into precise sun-synchronous and polar orbits. Teams design, test, and operate launch vehicles and spacecraft at mission control, working through lift-off and flight phases.
The company also offers managed payload integration and ground services. People here run hands-on experiments, analyze telemetry, and iterate on hardware and software between launches.