Launch Safety Software Intern

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:

Rocket Lab is a global leader in space exploration, and our Launch Safety team is crucial to ensuring the success and safety of our Electron launch operations. We are looking for a passionate and talented Launch Safety Software Intern to join our team and contribute to the design and development of high-quality, reliable software that will enhance the efficiency of our internal processes.

YOUR MISSION:

As a Launch Safety Software Intern, you will play a vital role in automating labor-intensive, time-constrained and dynamic pre-launch processes. You will collaborate with various teams across the business, including Flight Analysis, Operations Software, and IT, to ensure the tools we develop are fit for purpose, effective, and reliable. Your key responsibilities will include:

1. Process Automation:

• Develop software tools and scripts to interface with sensors, documents and applications, automating our currently manual pre-launch processes.
• Generate images and tables of information with hazard area coordinates in various notations required by stakeholders.
• Automate the generation of PDFs, posters, emails with launch window times, dates, and coordinates.
• Scrape websites for information such as expected aircraft and ship arrivals and departures in the region.

2. Software Development:

• Assist with the design and development of Range Surveillance and Flight Safety software.
• Integrate a diverse range of internal and external sensors and data feeds into a common operating picture using SDKs, APIs, and other software tools.
• Deliver a software package with excellent UX.
• Establish and execute appropriate software development processes, tests, validation, and verification processes.
• Keep tickets up to date regarding work in progress and regularly report and measure the delivery of work.

GOALS:

• Develop a strong understanding of the power of process automation within the workplace.
• Contribute to reducing hours spent on launch operations and improving overall efficiency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Currently enrolled in one of the following fields: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of C++ and Python.
• LaTeX familiarity a bonus.
• Experience with Git or similar source code management tools.
• Experience with Jira or similar issue tracker.
• An interest in maritime and/or aviation operations and systems, including Navigation processors, NMEA, AIS, ADS-B, or working with Geospatial datasets.

REQUIREMENT:

Available to work full-time, on-site for a minimum of 12 consecutive weeks beginning November 2025.

Ready to Launch Your Career? If you're passionate about software development, eager to learn, and ready to contribute to the future of space exploration, we want to hear from you! Apply now to join Rocket Lab and take the first step towards an extraordinary career in launch safety software development.

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

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

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