Development Intern - Ion Propulsion

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, 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. Intern – Ion Propulsion Avionics As an intern in the Space Systems Ion Propulsion team at Rocket Lab, you will take responsibility for projects supporting the development and testing of the Gauss electric propulsion system. You will work in close collaboration with engineers and technicians, working hands‑on with hardware and making meaningful contributions to technology that will fly on many different missions in the future. This high‑impact role goes beyond observation – you will build, test, debug, and improve systems used on real missions and flight hardware. What you’ll do Support the development, qualification, and acceptance testing of individual components of Gauss, as well as the complete system. Design, procure, assemble, and commission instrumentation, tooling, and test rigs. Perform mechanical and fluidics testing of components, including test setup, data collection, and analysis. Support modifications, maintenance, and debugging on vacuum chamber and GSE systems for hall thruster testing. Produce design and test documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs, etc. Proactively raise issues related to quality and/or continuous improvement. What you’ll gain Hands‑on experience working on flight hardware. Mentorship from leading engineers in space propulsion systems. An opportunity to make real contributions to space missions, including Mars exploration. A fast‑paced, high‑growth, and deeply collaborative environment. Qualifications Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or master's program in mechatronics engineering, engineering physics, or a related field with an electrical focus. Interest in electrical and mechanical engineering with a strong grasp of the fundamentals of both. Hands‑on experience with manufacturing and/or testing hardware. Experience with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment. A can‑do attitude, high attention to detail, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgments. Nice to have Experience with student projects (e.g., Rocketry, FSAE, CubeSats). Experience working with high voltage, plasma, electric propulsion, or electromagnetics. Experience with electromechanical actuators, tuning and testing dynamic control systems. Experience with thermal analysis and testing methodologies. Experience with data acquisition systems and test automation. Industry work experience in a fast‑paced development environment. Equal Opportunity & Accessibility 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. Candidate eligibility for U.S. offices 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 (e.g., 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. Candidate eligibility for New Zealand offices 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr