Neutron Systems Engineering Intern (Oct 2024)

Your role

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites they build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Their Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be their next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega-constellations of the future. Their space systems business includes their extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Rocket Lab seeks a Systems Engineering Intern to help develop Neutron: Rocket Lab’s medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle capable of human spaceflight.

Systems Engineers are great communicators who excel in interdisciplinary collaboration: working across teams to structure and execute design trades; define clear, verifiable requirements; and support the delivery of products that exceed these requirements through test, integration, and launch.  

What you'll get to do:

Day to day, your key responsibilities could include: 

• Working closely with your mentor and other employees within the department to apply your knowledge and grow your skills both technically and professionally;  
• Supporting the creation, management and documentation of system architectures and their use cases. 
• Supporting multi-disciplinary design teams in the elicitation of requirements and their organization in the Requirements Tool environment. 
• Working with all stakeholders to ensure the design as expressed through requirements: 
• Is compliant with the applicable standards identified by subject matter experts; 
• Achieves the appropriate level of safety; and 
• Matches the internal and external expectations of its stakeholders. 
• Attend frequent 1:1’s with mentors and supervisors to facilitate success and learning while providing progress updates 

About you

Ideal candidates will thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in a small, high-performing team focused on continued learning and growth. 

You’ll need to bring these qualifications:

• Be in your final year of study in an Engineering degree (Bachelors, Masters, PhD)
• Be in good academic standing with a minimum B+ Grade point average or higher
• Have 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable)
• Be capable of being self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment.
• Have proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals 
• Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team
• Be highly organized. See the bigger picture but also pay attention to the detail

These qualifications would also be nice to have:

• Experience in modern systems engineering practices and tools
• Strong understanding of fundamental physical principles (i.e. heat transfer, electronics, mechanics of materials etc.)
• Experience within one/some of the following fields (Mechanical, Propulsion, Avionics, Software, GNC, Operations, Testing)
• Have hands-on experience through engineering project teams, lab research, or through a prior relevant internship or work experience.
• Growth mindset. Strong desire for continuous learning

Additional requirement:

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

Benefits

As an intern, you'll enjoy the following benefits:

• Paid internship
• A fast-paced and dynamic culture
• Attend tech talks and networking opportunities
• Work with world-class industry leaders who enable each other to reach new heights

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, with projects and opportunities available to challenge and grow their careers. Over 80% of their internships result in employment with Rocket Lab.

Source

The following sources were used in researching this page:

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