Avionics Intern - Neutron Avionics Hardware

rocketlab

Auckland, NZ · Auckland · New Zealand

Posted Aug 3, 2026

Contract
2241 Neutron - Avionics

Apply on company site

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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

Neutron is Rocket Lab's new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently under development. The Neutron Avionics department is responsible for the delivery of all avionics systems across the vehicle, including integrated Avionics Hardware, flight software, and Neutron's flight safety system.

The Neutron Avionics Hardware team is responsible for the design, qualification, acceptance testing, and productionisation of the avionics components on the vehicle.

As an intern in the Neutron Avionics Hardware team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the design of electronic assemblies for the Neutron launch vehicle, specialist ground support equipment, and production automation tools. This includes conducting trade-studies, schematic capture, PCB design as well as some testing and hands-on troubleshooting. As an important part of the design team, you will be assisting with the development and maintenance of our components and make meaningful contributions to the longevity of the designs and production processes.

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

Electrical Design:

Assist with the creation, maintenance, and management of design libraries in Altium Designer

Perform design tasks, such as circuit design, verification, and characterization

Participate in the production release of electrical BOMs and designs

Hands-on development of prototype designs for R&D applications

Participate in development of tools and processes for automated testing and reporting of avionics components

Electrical Testing:

Participate and support test campaigns for in-house and commercial avionics components

Support engineering activities for the build and commissioning of automated test equipment

Support the development of data automation and reporting tools

Commission and debug electrical test equipment. Train and provide support on the use of automated test equipment

Collaborate with engineers and team members across multiple departments

Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equivalent (currently pursuing or recently completed)

0-1 years of experience with electronics design

0-1 years of experience with testing and troubleshooting electronics

Experience designing and implementing analog, digital, or mixed-signal circuit PCBs from concept through to production

Familiarity in electronics principles and electrical systems, including power electronics, communication systems (e.g RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus), signal integrity, and grounding

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation

NICE TO HAVE:

Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices and accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs and 4-20 mA sensors

Understanding of battery systems

Understanding of programming language, scripting tools, and automation (C/C++, Python)

Excellent communication both written and verbal, including creating material for distribution to external parties

Ability to work independently in an autonomously driven, fast-paced environment

Previous internship or project experience in avionics hardware or electronics design

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 avionics hardware for a reusable launch vehicle

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.