Electron Configuration Management 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 intern to join our Electron Vehicle Development team at our Auckland Production Complex. The Electron program is in an exciting phase where we are expanding the Electron launch vehicle's capabilities to meet new customer needs, in parallel with refining its design to increase the rate at which we produce and launch it.

As a Configuration Management Intern, you will play a key role in these efforts by supporting the smooth, efficient, and timely development of engineering changes as well as their introduction into production. You'll plan, coordinate, and deliver engineering change projects, and maintain the resulting Electron launch vehicle Bill of Materials (BOM) and other configuration Master Data, across all product variants.

This project offers you the opportunity to apply your software engineering and data integration skills to streamline a critical engineering workflow that directly impacts our product configuration management and regulatory compliance!

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

Engineering/Configuration Change Management:

Develop an automated system to track when new design items first appear in production, eliminating manual tracking overhead

Maintain data quality on first-flight items, which is critical to understanding differences between tails (launch vehicle builds) and can be very useful for anomaly investigations

Leverage ERP planning and production Bill of Materials (BOM) records and automatically update corresponding JIRA change tickets with implementation details

Support the configuration management of Electron launch vehicle variants

Plan, coordinate, and deliver engineering change projects

Maintain Electron launch vehicle Bill of Materials (BOM) and configuration Master Data

General Responsibilities:

Take ownership for completion of tasks personally delivering results

Commit to and complete tasks within expected time frame, holding yourself accountable

Manage your own task list and execute allocated tasks to assigned deadlines

Create technical documentation pertinent to configuration management with supervision

Communicate effectively with peers using appropriate mediums (email, tickets, meetings)

Create presentations, metrics, and emails that highlight important information with supervision

Support specific tasks for other teammates when asked and appropriately trained

Participate in identifying business challenges and contributing to solutions

Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MUST HAVE:

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Good communicator with proven ability to write clear and concise technical documentation

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

Passion for the aerospace industry

Ability to apply engineering and industry concepts and theories

Takes ownership and accountability for task completion by delivering results

Positive attitude and "How can I help?" mentality

Self-managed and committed to working in a fast-paced environment

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams

Can listen and internalize all sides of technical discussions

Proactive communicator, comfortable seeking help when needed to get unblocked

Professional and positive communication skills

NICE TO HAVE:

Software Engineering experience with git-based development environments and version control

Automation/Scripting skills (e.g., Python programming for automation and server API requests)

Data Visualization experience with tools like Power BI

Data Engineering/Data Pipelines knowledge

Familiarity with Project Management tools (e.g., Jira)

Familiarity with PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter)

Familiarity with ERP tools (e.g., LN)

Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., NX)

Understanding of configuration management principles

Experience with database systems and SQL

Knowledge of aerospace product development processes

WHAT WE OFFER

Hands-on experience working on configuration management for an operational launch vehicle

Opportunity to develop automated systems that directly impact production efficiency

Mentorship from experienced configuration management and engineering professionals

Exposure to aerospace product lifecycle management and regulatory compliance

Professional development opportunities in the space industry

Collaborative and innovative work environment at our Auckland Production Complex

Direct contribution to increasing Electron's production rate and capabilities

Experience working across engineering, production, and quality teams

Opportunity to contribute to missions that make a difference

Potential pathway to future career opportunities at Rocket Lab

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Must be able to wear correct PPE in designated areas

Must report near-misses and incidents promptly

Additional duties as reasonably required

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