ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we 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.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. We're opening access to space to improve life on Earth through our Electron rocket and Neutron launch vehicle programs, alongside our space systems business. From pioneering carbon composite rocket technology to delivering reliable and rapid launch services, we're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Rocket Lab seeks a Systems Engineering Intern to help develop Neutron: Rocket Lab's medium lift, reusable launch vehicle capable of human spaceflight.
Launch your career with one of the most exciting internship opportunities in New Zealand! We are looking for an engineering student in their final year of study interested in gaining industry experience in Systems Engineering.
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.
This is an opportunity to work on real space technology projects and contribute to missions that are literally reaching for the stars.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- 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 applicable standards, achieves the appropriate level of safety, and matches the internal and external expectations of its stakeholders
- Assist in documenting and managing system interfaces between stakeholder groups involved in the Neutron project
- Support the maintenance and organisation of the project and systems requirements, ensuring they are up-to-date and well-documented
- Assess and communicate system status relative to required performance
- Uphold the verification process across design teams, ensuring consistency with the Neutron verification strategy
- Perform verification tests as needed to support Neutron development, documenting results in line with project processes
- Support the management of technical data, ensuring quality and clarity for data exchanged between teams and published externally
- Contribute to identifying key system interactions, managing stakeholder input, and driving towards informed decisions
- Where required, document the breakdown of the project into logical systems and subsystems
- Contribute to integration activity to bring together the final product
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
MUST HAVE:
- 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
- Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation
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
WHAT WE OFFER
- Hands-on experience working on real aerospace and space technology projects
- Mentorship from world-class engineers and industry professionals
- Exposure to cutting-edge rocket and spacecraft systems
- Opportunity to work on a reusable launch vehicle capable of human spaceflight
- Professional development opportunities in the space industry
- Collaborative and innovative work environment
- Opportunity to contribute to missions that make a difference
- Potential pathway to future career opportunities at Rocket Lab
HOW TO APPLY
Please ensure you submit a cover letter, detailing why you are interested in the specific role you have applied for. Please make sure to cite a project/experience/hobby that is relevant to the role.
Application Deadline: Friday, 28th August 2026
Please note: We will be reviewing and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis as applications are received. We strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible, as positions may be filled before the closing date.
Start Date: November 2026
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Skills Required
- Final year of study in an Engineering degree (Bachelors, Masters, PhD)
- Minimum B+ grade point average
- 3+ months of applied engineering experience (internship, laboratory, personal/team project experience applicable)
- Self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment
- Proven communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals
- Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team
- Highly organized with attention to detail
- Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation
- Experience in modern systems engineering practices and tools
- Strong understanding of fundamental physical principles (heat transfer, electronics, mechanics of materials)
- Experience in Mechanical, Propulsion, Avionics, Software, GNC, Operations, or Testing
- Hands-on experience through engineering project teams, lab research, or prior relevant internship
- Growth mindset and strong desire for continuous learning
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options are offered, including a company‑sponsored HSA plan option and supportive ancillary benefits. These elements portray comprehensive healthcare support for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase program with discounted share access and a look‑back feature, alongside eligibility for equity, is presented as a strong component of total rewards. This structure can meaningfully augment cash pay for those who value long‑term upside.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and paid parental leave are included. These provisions indicate a complete time‑off offering for a midsize aerospace employer.
Rocket Lab Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
