Manufacturing Engineering Intern - Vehicle Integration (Oct 2024)

Your role

As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern based at Rocket Lab’s site in Auckland, NZ, you will have the opportunity to work closely on projects that impact both our Auckland Production Complex and our Mahia Launch Complex. Working in the Vehicle Integration Manufacturing Engineering team, you will support the production and launch tech teams to produce Electron rockets.

What You’ll Get to Do

• As an intern, you will work closely with your mentor and other employees within the department to apply your knowledge and grow your skills both technically and professionally
• Work with a fast-paced group of professionals to apply engineering and industry concepts to solve real challenges
• Attend frequent 1:1’s with mentors and supervisors to facilitate success and learning while providing progress updates
• Solve production support issues and implement long-term mitigations to reduce repeat issues
• Implement efficiency projects
• Investigate and implement quality improvement processes and standards
• Enjoy tech talks and network with other interns and employees through social and professional events

About you

Ideal candidates will thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in small, high-performing teams that are focused on continued learning and growth. Success in this position will be measured by the knowledge and experience you bring to the role, your ability to lead development projects without supervision, and your ability to successfully collaborate across teams to deliver results.

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master's or doctorate degree program in an engineering, physics or math discipline and have at least one semester of school remaining post-internship
• Be in good academic standing with a minimum B (3.0) Grade point average or higher
• 3+ months of relevant applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have

• Pursuing a career in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering
• Experience with Project management and Root cause analysis
• Experience working with Six Sigma
• A natural inclination towards problem-solving and process efficiency

Additional Requirements

• Able to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning November 2024

Compensation & benefits

All of their internships are paid and temporary accommodation will be provided for the successful candidate for the duration of the internship, however, they will need to supply their own transport to and from the site. 

Training & development

Rocket Lab offers tailored internship programs designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the space industry. Interns work closely with mentors and team members, gaining technical and professional skills while contributing to real projects. They foster a collaborative environment where growth, trust, and pushing boundaries are highly valued.

To know more, watch this video:

Career progression

Interns benefit from regular 1;1 sessions with mentors and supervisors to facilitate their learning and progress, and over 80% of internships result in employment with Rocket Lab.

How to apply

When applying please include a detailed cover letter stating what interests you about Rocket Lab and this role in particular. Feel free to be creative and stand out in your application and introduction to the team at Rocket Lab. Be sure to include relevant experience/personal or school projects you have completed that align with this role and why you believe you would be the best candidate.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• rocketlabusa.com/careers/
• rocketlabusa.com/careers/internships/