Supplier Quality Engineer Intern

About the role

Rocket Lab is actively searching for an enthusiastic intern to integrate into the Quality Engineering team based in Auckland, where you will play a critical part in the company's continuous improvement efforts focused on external supply chain integrity. In this specific role, you will own the analysis of supplier data with the primary objective of driving a significant reduction in Non-Conformance Reports that originate from external vendors and partners. Your responsibilities will include developing and updating inspection work instructions based directly on the findings of non-conformance investigations and current production requirements to prevent recurrence. You will be required to investigate distinct defect types and execute thorough root cause analysis to fully understand how issues are introduced and allowed to progress into production environments. Furthermore, you will collaborate closely with both production floor teams and external suppliers to collectively resolve any quality-related challenges that impact delivery or performance. You will be expected to actively participate in team meetings and provide innovative suggestions that enhance overall quality processes and supplier performance metrics. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to quality assurance initiatives across the organization while learning the intricacies of aerospace supply chain management. By the conclusion of the internship, you will have developed a practical understanding of how maintaining rigorous supplier quality standards supports the broader mission of the company.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Analyze complex data sets related to Non-Conformances and utilize advanced prioritization techniques to identify the most critical issues requiring immediate resolution.
• Investigate defect types in detail and conduct rigorous root cause analysis to determine how issues bypass existing controls and reach production.
• Develop precise work instructions as part of corrective and preventive actions, ensuring that future production runs adhere to stringent quality standards.
• Monitor key NCR trends and progress using established metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented corrective measures over time.
• Collaborate effectively with production teams and suppliers to troubleshoot and resolve quality-related challenges through structured problem-solving sessions.
• Attend scheduled team meetings and actively share innovative suggestions that can improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance supplier deliverables.
• Assist in executing quality assurance initiatives throughout the organization, contributing to audits, process reviews, and compliance verification tasks.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure that supplier components meet all defined geometric and dimensional requirements.
• Perform hands-on inspections using quality measurement tools such as vernier calipers, micrometers, and various gauges to verify part conformity.
• Document all findings, actions, and results in detailed reports that provide clear traceability from issue identification to closure.
• Support the development and maintenance of supplier quality databases, ensuring that all data is accurate, current, and accessible for analysis.
• Liaise with cross-functional stakeholders to communicate quality status, risks, and improvement plans in a clear and professional manner.
• Contribute to the implementation of statistical process control methods to identify trends and prevent non-conformances before they escalate.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging supplier development programs that enhance capability and performance.

Requirements

• You must currently be enrolled in an active degree program in Engineering or a closely related field, or you must have recently graduated from such a program.
• You must demonstrate proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications, specifically Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, for daily task execution.
• You must possess a basic understanding of drawing interpretation and the use of common measurement tools, including vernier calipers, micrometers, and various gauges.
• You must exhibit strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities when faced with complex quality issues and data sets.
• You must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with team members and external suppliers.
• You must show the ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a structured team environment.
• You must have a genuine interest in aerospace technology and the specific space technology sector that Rocket Lab operates within.
• You must be eligible to work in New Zealand, as this internship may require local employment eligibility under current regulations.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and how they apply to mechanical components.
• Knowledge of established problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, or Fishbone analysis techniques.
• Understanding of quality requirements specific to machining processes and electronic components used in aerospace applications.
• Previous internship or project experience in quality engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis techniques and structured corrective action processes.

Practical notes

This internship may require you to be eligible to work in New Zealand, and candidates must meet this requirement to be considered for the position. Benefits and travel details will be discussed during the interview process should you progress to later stages of selection. Interested candidates should submit their applications before the published deadline to ensure full consideration, as early submission is strongly encouraged. The role is classified as an internship and is based in the Auckland region, with no travel requirements outside the designated work location.