Avionics Intern - Neutron Avionics Systems

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

AVIONICS INTERN – NEUTRON AVIONICS SYSTEMS

As an intern in the Neutron Avionics Systems team, you will have the opportunity to support the design of electrical subsystems that are optimized for reliability, performance, and mass.

This role includes detailed schematic capture and harness design as well as testing, operator interfaces, and hands-on trouble shooting during test and launch. As an important part of the design process, you will be assisting with the creation and maintenance of our component libraries and make meaningful contributions for data management within our systems. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Assist with the creation, maintenance, and management of design libraries in Teamcenter
• Perform design tasks, such as harness routing, fit checks, wiring schematics, and connector selection.
• Participate in the production release of electrical BOMs and designs.
• Hands-on development of prototype harnesses for R&D applications.
• Support hands-on troubleshooting activities for the launch vehicle, including data analysis and testing.
• Help create test set ups and electronics to diagnose, identify, and measure issues occurring with launch vehicle hardware.
• Support engineering activities for the build and commissioning of automated test equipment
• Create documentation for procedures, maintenance and calibration of new test systems. Provide training and ongoing support for the use of new test systems.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent
• 1+ years of experience with electronics design, including analog and high- speed digital electronics, and distributed electronic architectures
• 1+ years of experience with testing and troubleshooting new electronic systems
• Familiarity in electronics principles and electrical systems, including power electronics, communication systems (e.g RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus), signal integrity, and grounding
• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices and accelerometers, thermocouples, RTD’s and 4-20 mA sensors.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience designing and implementing analog, digital, or mixed-signal
• circuit PCB’s from concept through to production.
• Understanding of programming language, scripting tools, and automation (C/C++, Python).
• Excellent communication both written and verbal, including creating material for distribution to external parties.

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.