Manufacturing Engineering Intern - Composites

About the role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're looking for a motivated intern to join our Composites Manufacturing Engineering team in Auckland. The primary purpose of the Composites Manufacturing Engineering Intern is to support production activities related to the Launch Vehicle within a high-growth production environment, ensuring manufacturing principles are practised to a high standard and ensuring stringent launch times can be achieved.

This position will support the Lead Manufacturing Engineer with their deliverables. The role will also work closely and develop strong relationships with Engineers, Technicians, and subject matter experts across a range of departments to enable the build and testing of launch vehicles.

Regular activities of the Composites Manufacturing Engineering Intern include reviewing and processing non-conformance documents, providing support to develop and optimise processes, tools and equipment for production. Supporting the composite team members during implementation of process changes through prototyping, testing and validation. They will also support the Manufacturing Engineering team with various other improvement projects, risk assessments, daily issue management and 5S related tasks.

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

General:

Implement production processes through validation & verification to achieve 'right first time', repeatability and high yield

Creation of clear technical documentation to support Production

Work alongside technicians to develop and improve Work Instructions

Design and develop tooling/equipment with stakeholders ensuring requirements are captured and delivered

Mitigate risk within current processes

Conduct root cause investigations as part of the integrated project team

Self-manage tasks and project milestones

Project:

Deliver right first-time project implementation

Communicate major milestones and any potential risk

Coordinate resources needed to complete project implementation

Support Continuous improvement projects

Problem Solving:

Support project teams with practical problem-solving activities and promote the 'zero defect' mindset

Collaborate with engineers, technicians and subject matter experts across multiple departments

Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

Currently studying towards a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related discipline

Can-do approach and flexibility to thrive around growing teams and processes

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Passion for the Aerospace Industry

NICE TO HAVE:

Computer Aided Design experience, preferably with Siemens NX

Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies

Knowledge with composite related material properties including resin systems, ablative materials, and sandwich structures

Experience with composite manufacturing techniques and processes

Previous internship or project experience in composites or manufacturing 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 advanced composite materials and manufacturing processes

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.