Design & Test Engineering Intern - Neutron Tanks at Rocket Lab USA

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

InternshipExperience Level

InternshipJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Space SystemsIndustries

Requirements

Current student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics Engineering
Basic understanding of structural design and mechanics of materials
Basic understanding of engineering instrumentation
Basic CAD experience
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Attention to detail and a proactive approach to learning and development
Must be available to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning November 2025

Responsibilities

Fully design all instrumentation systems for tank structural testing
Deliver a ready-to-use instrumentation system for structural testing
Assist with design of primary structures and supporting hardware for testing said structures

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Instrumentation DesignStructural TestingComposite StructuresTest EngineeringMechanical DesignData Acquisition Systems

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary for the Design & Test Engineering Intern position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this internship remote or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What qualifications are preferred for this internship?

Preferred qualifications include being a current student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics Engineering, basic understanding of structural design and mechanics of materials, basic understanding of engineering instrumentation, basic CAD experience, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and teamwork abilities, and attention to detail with a proactive approach to learning.

What is the team culture like at Rocket Lab for this role?

You'll join a dynamic team responsible for the mechanical and structural delivery of the Neutron Launch Vehicle Stage 2, Stage 1 Tank Module, and Payload Module, at the forefront of innovation ensuring the integrity and performance of primary structures through rigorous testing.

What makes a strong candidate for this internship?

Strong candidates are current students in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with basic knowledge of structural design, mechanics of materials, engineering instrumentation, and CAD, plus strong analytical skills, communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to learning.

Rocket Lab USA

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

About Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Long Beach, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2006Year Founded

$713.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Increased competition from SpaceX as Rocket Lab develops the Neutron rocket.

Potential delays in Virginia launch site could impact schedules and revenue.

Reliance on New Zealand site poses risks from geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.

Differentiation

Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.

Photon platform supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and private Venus missions.

Neutron rocket development positions Rocket Lab as a competitor in heavy-lift launches.

Upsides

Collaboration with Air Force Research Lab could lead to more defense contracts.

Operational efficiency shown by two launches in 24 hours from different hemispheres.

Investment by Pier 88 indicates strong investor confidence in Rocket Lab's growth.

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