INTERNSHIP DETAILS

GNC Mission Design Intern

CompanyRocket Lab Corporation
LocationAuckland
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 26, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will design Electron missions under expert guidance, which may involve mission design, auto-sequence planning, Monte Carlo analysis, configuration management, launch operations, and data analysis. Specific tasks include assisting with auto sequence design, analyzing optimized 3DOF trajectories for 6DOF scenarios, and verifying spacecraft separation sequences.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
1787
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
About 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 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. 

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

The Electron GNC Mission Design Intern gets the opportunity to design Electron missions under the guidance of an expert Mission Designer! This may include mission design, auto-sequence planning, Monte Carlo analysis, configuration management, launch operations, data analysis, and many more.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Assisting with auto sequence design (maneuvers, telemetry, ground station contacts), implementation and verification for orbital flight, stack tests and wet dress rehearsals
  • Analysis and missionization of optimized 3DOF trajectories for implementation in 6DOF and flight scenarios
  • Monte-Carlo analysis pre-flight and post-flight analysis
  • Design and verification of spacecraft separation sequences and dynamics

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  •  A final or penultimate year student studying a master’s, bachelor’s degree or higher degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Mechatronics, Aerospace or equivalent qualification
  • Experience developing in Python or MATLAB
  • Experience with Git version control
  • A thorough theoretical and/or practical understanding of rigid and/or flexible body dynamics, particularly 6DOF rocket dynamics
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and/or closed-loop control systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions
  • Experience with flight simulator or flight software development for UAVs, rockets, or spacecraft
  • Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft dynamics and modelling
  • Experience in developing models from fundamental principles and validating through test
  • Experience with optimization for launch-vehicle or spacecraft missions
  • Experience working in a continuous integration environment

If the above sounds like you apply now!

 

 

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.

 

Key Skills
PythonMATLABGit6DOF Rocket DynamicsOrbital MechanicsClosed-loop Control SystemsTrajectory OptimizationMonte Carlo AnalysisAuto Sequence DesignConfiguration ManagementFlight DynamicsSpacecraft Separation DynamicsPrototypingTestingAnalysis
Categories
EngineeringScience & ResearchSoftwareTechnology