Development Engineering Intern - Neutron Thermal Protection Systems

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 Neutron Thermal Protection Systems team in Auckland. This role provides additional capacity for progression and completion of several goals within the Thermal Protection Systems Team. You will work on cutting-edge thermal protection technologies for Neutron, Rocket Lab's medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle. This internship also provides a pathway for assessment and upskilling of potential candidates for Junior engineering roles, while building familiarization between the local candidate pool and our organization. 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 MTPS Test & Development: Conduct thermal testing activities and explore alternative materials for the Metallic Thermal Protection System (MTPS) stack-up Perform bench-scale torch testing and/or sub-scale integrated article testing under representative thermal environments Identify and source candidate materials for improved performance, durability, or mass efficiency Analyse candidate materials and TPS design features for engineering trade studies and performance optimization Lead the sourcing, integration, and testing of candidate materials using in-house or external thermal testing resources Materials Characterization: Evaluation of the thermal response for candidate materials at elevated and cryogenic temperatures Validate the mechanical and thermal properties of composite, soft goods, metallic, and TPS articles for verification of manufacturing methods and processes Analyse prototype articles and TPS design features for performance optimization Thermal Test Facility Design & Upgrade: Design and implement upgrades to the TPS team's thermal exposure test cells and hardware Implement improvements to the controls, instrumentation, and DAQ for thermal exposure test cells Design and deliver integration aids and jigs for manufacture of integrated articles for thermal exposure tests Define and implement improvements to test methodology and procedures where identified Collaborate with engineers and team members across multiple departments Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR MUST HAVE: Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related discipline Mechanical design capability and CAD skills Familiarity with control and data acquisition in LabView Familiarity with metallic and composit…