Inventory Specialist Intern

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.

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 programmes, 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 Supply Chain team at our Auckland Production Complex. As an Inventory Specialist Intern, you will play a key role in analysing and optimising the storage efficiency of our multiple warehouse locations by calculating and measuring the ratio of parts to locations.

This ratio will help identify areas of saturation where parts are densely stored, making it difficult for team members to locate items quickly and efficiently. By identifying these bottlenecks, you will enable us to implement systematic and physical improvements to our warehouse organisation, ultimately improving operational efficiency and reducing retrieval times.

During your internship, you will collect and analyse data, create visualisations to highlight problem areas, and propose actionable recommendations for improving storage layouts and part-to-location ratios. This project offers you the opportunity to apply your analytical and problem-solving skills in a real-world logistics and operations environment supporting rocket production.

This is an opportunity to work on real operational challenges and contribute to missions that are literally reaching for the stars.

Data Collection & Analysis

Collect data on parts and locations across multiple warehouse facilities

Calculate and analyse the current part-to-location ratios for each warehouse

Identify trends, patterns, and areas of saturation that hinder efficient part identification and retrieval

Document findings and data quality observations

Visualisation & Communication

Develop visual tools (e.g., heatmaps, dashboards) to represent the saturation levels across different warehouse locations

Create clear and compelling data visualisations to communicate findings to stakeholders

Collaborate with warehouse staff to validate findings and gather operational feedback

Solution Development

Propose systematic and physical improvements to optimise storage and reduce saturation

Create a prioritised action plan for implementation

Work with cross-functional teams to validate proposed solutions

Support pilot reorganisation efforts in selected warehouse locations (stretch goal)

Documentation & Presentation

Prepare a comprehensive report with data analysis, visualisations, and proposed solutions

Document all processes, methodologies, and recommendations

Present findings and proposed solutions to key stakeholders

Hand over all deliverables to support long-term implementation

General Responsibilities

Take ownership for completion of tasks personally delivering results

Commit to and complete tasks within expected time frame, holding yourself accountable

Manage your own task list and execute allocated tasks to assigned deadlines

Communicate effectively with peers and stakeholders using appropriate mediums

Support specific tasks for other teammates when asked and appropriately trained

Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed

PROJECT GOALS

Calculate and analyse the part-to-location ratio for each warehouse

Develop visual tools (e.g., heatmaps, dashboards) to highlight areas of saturation

Propose systematic and physical improvements to optimise storage and reduce saturation

Provide a comprehensive report and handover documentation to support long-term implementation of solutions

Stretch Goal: Implement a pilot reorganisation in a selected warehouse location and measure the impact on efficiency

MUST HAVE

Currently pursuing or recently completed an MBA or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Attention to detail and a passion for data quality

Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting

Ability to apply operations and logistics concepts and theories

Takes ownership and accountability for task completion by delivering results

Proactive communicator, comfortable seeking clarification and feedback

Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

Collaborative mindset, able to work with cross-functional teams

Interest in logistics, supply chain, or warehouse management

NICE TO HAVE

Experience in stores, warehouse, or inventory management roles

Experience in logistics, supply chain, or data analysis roles

Experience with process improvement or efficiency projects

Familiarity with data visualisation tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

Basic knowledge of inventory management systems or ERP software (e.g., Infor, SAP, Oracle)

Understanding of warehouse management best practices

Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)

Knowledge of aerospace or high-reliability manufacturing environments

Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation

WHAT WE OFFER

Hands-on experience optimising real warehouse operations for aerospace manufacturing

Opportunity to directly impact operational efficiency across multiple facilities

Mentorship from experienced supply chain and logistics professionals

Professional development opportunities in supply chain management and data analytics

Collaborative and innovative work environment at our Auckland Production Complex

Exposure to aerospace manufacturing and rocket production operations

Experience working with inventory management systems and ERP software

Opportunity to present findings to senior stakeholders

Direct contribution to improving efficiency for Electron and Neutron programmes

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