Manufacturing Engineering Intern
Rocket Lab USAAbout 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 ROCKET LAB
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 programs, 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 Manufacturing Engineering team in Auckland. The primary purpose of the Manufacturing Engineer Intern is to support production activities 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 mechanical production manufacturing engineering team with their deliverables. Mechanical production builds and tests a wide variety of parts that make up systems throughout the Electron launch vehicle and bespoke Space Systems projects, from simple structural assemblies to high-precision sealed pressure components.
The role will also work closely and develop strong relationships with technicians, engineers and subject matter experts from a range of disciplines and departments to enable the build and testing of launch vehicles.
Regular activities of the manufacturing engineering team can be summed up as practical problem solving over a wide variety of systems and situations, so the ability to remain flexible while applying sound, risk-based engineering decision making processes is critical to success.
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
- Review and process non-conformances
- Provide support to develop, implement and optimise processes, tools and equipment for production
- Support team members during product and process changes through prototyping, testing and validation
- Collaborate with technicians, engineers and subject matter experts across multiple disciplines
- Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas
- Apply practical problem-solving skills across a wide variety of systems and situations
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
MUST HAVE:
- Currently studying towards a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering or related discipline
- Good communicator with proven ability to write clear and concise technical documentation in English language
- 'Can do' approach and flexible mindset, keen to take on a variety of new challenges in a fast-moving environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Passion for the aerospace industry
NICE TO HAVE:
- Mechanical and fluid systems design experience
- Experience in CAD design
- Experience using or maintaining ERP and PLM/PDM systems
- Knowledge of production quality metrics
- Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
- Familiarity with manufacturing and manufacturing/project engineering processes
- Previous experie
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