Manufacturing Engineering Intern - Space Sytems
Rocket Lab USAJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Rocket Lab's Manufacturing Engineer Intern in Space Systems, Auckland, offers a hands on entry to a fast paced, high growth production floor. You will support improvement projects, risk assessments and daily issue management while partnering with engineers, technicians and subject matter experts. Responsibilities include project management, tooling and fixture design, process development, creating work instructions and participating in PFMEA, with opportunities to contribute ideas in team meetings. Must haves: currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, mechatronics or related field; hands on project or internship experience; strong communication; ability to read mechanical drawings and work with external partners; passion for aerospace. Apply with a tailored cover letter citing a relevant project; rolling interviews, deadline 28 August 2026; start date November 2026. Mentorship and exposure to space systems await.
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
We're looking for a motivated intern to join our Space Systems Manufacturing Engineering team in Auckland. The primary purpose of the Manufacturing Engineer Intern is to assist the optimisation and facilitation of improvements in a fast-paced and high-growth production environment.
The position will work closely and develop strong relationships with Engineers, Technicians, and subject matter experts across a range of departments. Regular activities of the Manufacturing Engineer Intern include assisting the Manufacturing Engineering team with various improvement projects, risk assessments and investigations, and daily production support and issue management.
This is an opportunity to work on real space technology projects and contribute to missions that are literally reaching for the stars. Expect to work hard alongside experts in the field, while being given real responsibility and ownership from day one.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Project management - work with internal parties to complete ongoing production improvement projects
- Tooling design creation if required
- Process development and design of required production tools and jigs
- Creation of work instructions for technicians that will work with the developed system
- Work through P-FMEA for processes
- Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts across multiple departments
- Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas
- Support various improvement projects, risk assessments, and daily issue management
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
MUST HAVE:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or advanced degree in a relevant engineering program (mechanical, mechatronics, electrical, aerospace, computer science, or similar)
- Self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment
- Hands-on experience through engineering project teams, lab research, or through a prior relevant internship or work experience.
- Professional and positive communication skills
- Able to work with external companies independently
- Able to read, interpret, and create mechanical drawings
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively
- Passion for aerospace, space technology, and/or innovation
NICE TO HAVE:
- Demonstrated initiative through design and build projects
- Experience with one or more of the following Engineering tools:
- Manufacturing principles (such as 5S, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma principles)
- Process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA)
- Hands-on skills with Manufacturing methods
- Previous internship or project experience in manufacturing engineering
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
- 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].This 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.