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!
ABOUT THE TEAM:
Our Quality Engineering Team is the backbone of our commitment to excellence. We are a diverse group of dedicated professionals who are passionate about ensuring the highest standards of quality across all our products and services. Our team thrives on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, working closely with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve issues before they reach our customers. We leverage cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to drive efficiency and effectiveness in our processes. If you are looking to join a team that values precision, fosters growth, and celebrates success, the Quality Engineering Team is the place for you.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
As a Supplier Quality Engineering Intern at Rocket Lab, you will be part of a team dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of quality in our products. You will gain hands-on experience in various quality assurance processes and tools, including inspection methods and equipment, quality assessments, and problem-solving tools. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with multiple stakeholders to understand the design and risk of the parts used, generating the methods and KPIs related.
Key Responsibilities:
- Learn how to generate instructions for inspection, drawing interpretation, and communication with key stakeholders such as Manufacturing Engineers, Production Technicians, Designers, SQEs, and Inspectors.
- Prioritize top offender programs and part numbers for NCRs (Non-Conformance Reports) as part of incoming escapes.
- Generate instructions according to priority and criteria needed for their usage and assessment.
- Share inspection criteria and provide training sessions to inspectors.
- Present updates and periodic results to Supplier Quality Engineering team.
- Detect root causes and solutions for Quality issues
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program related manufacturing and or space industry (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering).
- Good management of time and tasks.
- Strong communication skills.
- Team player with a willingness to learn.
- Proficiency in Excel and Office 360.
- Willingness to learn new software.
- Desirable knowledge of work instructions, inspections, or drawing interpretations.
- Passion and interest in the quality area.
REQUIREMENT:
Available to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning November 2025.
When applying, include a detailed cover letter stating what interests you about Rocket Lab and this role in particular. Feel free to be creative and stand out in your application and introduction to the team at Rocket Lab.
Be sure to include relevant experience /personal or school projects you have completed that align with this role and why you believe you would be the best candidate for this role.
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 [email protected] 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.
