Ground Systems Engineering 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.

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.

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

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.

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.