Ground Systems Engineering Intern
Rocket Lab · Auckland, New Zealand · 1mo ago
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 THE ROLE
We're looking for a motivated Electrical Engineering Intern to join our Ground Systems Engineering team in Auckland.
As an Electrical Engineering Intern on our Ground Systems Engineering team, you will assist in designing, building, testing, and commissioning launch pad systems and their associated infrastructure. Your responsibilities will include supporting tasks related to power system supply and distribution, instrumentation and control systems design, and launch vehicle communications.
You'll gain hands-on experience across the full project lifecycle – from conceptualisation and detailed design through to construction, commissioning, and operation – all under the guidance of senior engineers.
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
Design & Analysis (with supervision):
- Design, draft, and analyse launch range electrical systems and facilities, including:
- Power systems: generators, UPS, switchgear, distribution, and monitoring
- Lightning protection and site grounding
- Lighting
- Data and IT systems: cabling, wiring, routing, rack layout
- Control systems design
- Cable sizing, harness design, load calculation, routing, and protection
- Component selection – cabling, connectors, motors, drives, circuit protection devices, instrumentation
- Circuit design (power and control)
- Panel design and layout
- Design for high vibration, harsh, and explosive atmosphere environments
- Launch vehicle umbilicals and interfaces
- Develop electrical designs and schematics
- Perform system sizing and analysis by hand calculation and numerical methods
- Conduct system design trade-off studies
- Substantiate designs with documented research and analysis
- Develop and maintain BOMs
- Ensure design standards and methodologies are followed
Testing, Commissioning & Documentation (with supervision):
- Support the testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of electrical systems and components
- Prepare designs and take ownership of pad systems
- Help maintain documentation including drawings, reports, and project records
- Gain exposure to project management tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and reporting
- Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas
- Willingness to get your hands dirty during project build phases
Health & Safety:
- Follow health and safety policies and standard operating procedures
- Wear correct PPE in designated areas
- Report near-misses and incidents promptly
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
MUST HAVE:
- Currently working towards a BE, ME, or advanced degree in a relevant engineering program with an Electrical background
- Knowledge of low and high voltage AC & DC systems
- Hands-on experience with electrical equipment, data acquisition, control, and automation systems
- Ability to read and understand electrical schematics
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven environment
- Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
- A positive, "how can I help?" attitude – no task is beneath you
- Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation
NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with design, commissioning, operation and maintenance of power supply and distribution systems, including generators and UPSs, to national and/or international codes and standards
- Exposure to instrumentation and control systems design
- Experience with panel design, layout, or wiring
- Previous internship or project experience in electrical engineering or aerospace
- Hands-on fabrication, prototyping, or test equipment experience
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 launch pad systems and ground support infrastructure
- 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.
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.