Avionics Intern - Neutron Flight Safety Systems

rocketlab

Auckland, NZ · Auckland · New Zealand

Posted Aug 3, 2026

Contract
2241 Neutron - Avionics

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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 (FSS).

The Neutron FSS team is responsible for high-level FSS design, component qualification, acceptance testing, and certification activities for the Neutron rocket. A core part of the Neutron FSS is the safety-critical Autonomous Flight Termination System, which uses avionics hardware designed and produced in-house at our Auckland Production Complex. The team is small, agile, and possesses a winning combination of sharp technical knowledge and flawless attention to detail. A unique aspect of this team is its close working relationship with US regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NASA.

We're looking for a motivated and technically minded intern interested in the functional testing and qualification of avionics systems for the launch environment, including the planning and execution of test campaigns across thermal, vacuum, and high vibration conditions. This role would suit a detail-oriented person with an electrical or mechatronic engineering skillset and experience writing Python code.

This internship will occur at an exciting time in the development phase of Neutron, with many prototype systems being integrated and tested for the first time. While the focus of your project will be on the Flight Termination System, you will be a valued member of the Neutron Avionics department as a whole, gaining exposure to the electrical architecture across the entire launch vehicle.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Avionics Test Engineering:

Develop, plan, and execute test campaigns for avionics components, ensuring test requirements are fully met

Collaborate with design engineers and external stakeholders to generate and document test requirements based on system functional requirements

Conduct the development and verification of analytical and empirical models for electrical systems

Complete component risk analysis, failure mode analysis, implement design for test, and perform root-cause analysis of test anomalies

Automated Test and Data Systems:

Develop modular, reusable, test architectures for automated testing of mission-critical and safety-critical avionics components

Develop automation software (e.g. using Python, C, or C++) to interact with units-under-test, automated test equipment, and production systems

Contribute to the development of data automation tools for automated test equipment and reporting

Create documentation for procedures, maintenance, and calibration of new test systems

Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related discipline

Experience writing Python code

Detail-oriented with strong attention to accuracy and precision

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

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:

Experience with automated test equipment and test system development

Familiarity with C or C++ programming

Knowledge of avionics systems and flight safety requirements

Experience with data analysis and reporting tools

Understanding of thermal, vacuum, and vibration testing environments

Previous internship or project experience in avionics or test 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

Opportunity to work with safety-critical systems and regulatory agencies

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.