Inventory Specialist 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. 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 programmes, 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 Supply Chain team at our Auckland Production Complex. As an Inventory Specialist Intern, you will play a key role in analysing and optimising the storage efficiency of our multiple warehouse locations by calculating and measuring the ratio of parts to locations.   This ratio will help identify areas of saturation where parts are densely stored, making it difficult for team members to locate items quickly and efficiently. By identifying these bottlenecks, you will enable us to implement systematic and physical improvements to our warehouse organisation, ultimately improving operational efficiency and reducing retrieval times.   During your internship, you will collect and analyse data, create visualisations to highlight problem areas, and propose actionable recommendations for improving storage layouts and part-to-location ratios. This project offers you the opportunity to apply your analytical and problem-solving skills in a real-world logistics and operations environment supporting rocket production.   This is an opportunity to work on real operational challenges and contribute to missions that are literally reaching for the stars.   WHAT YOU WILL DO   Data Collection & Analysis:   Collect data on parts and locations across multiple warehouse facilities   Calculate and analyse the current part-to-location ratios for each warehouse   Identify trends, patterns, and areas of saturation that hinder efficient part identification and retrieval   Document findings and data quality observations   Visualisation & Communication:   Develop visual tools (e.g., heatmaps, dashboards) to represent the saturation levels across different warehouse locations   Create clear and compelling data visualisations to communicate findings to stakeholders   Collaborate with warehouse staff to validate findings and gather operational feedback   Solution Development:   Propose systematic and physical improvements to optimise storage and reduce saturation   Create a prioritised action plan for implementation   Work with cross-functional teams to validate proposed solutions   Support pilot reorganisation efforts in selected warehouse locations (stretch goal)   Documentation & Presentation:   Prepare a comprehensive report with data analysis, visualisations, and proposed solutions   Document all processes, methodologies, and recommendations   Present findings and proposed solutions to key stakeholders   Hand over all deliverables to support long-term implementation   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   Communicate effectively with peers and stakeholders using appropriate mediums   Support specific tasks for other teammates when asked and appropriately trained   Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed   PROJECT GOALS   Calculate and analyse the part-to-location ratio for each warehouse   Develop visual tools (e.g., heatmaps, dashboards) to highlight areas of saturation   Propose systematic and physical improvements to optimise storage and reduce saturation   Provide a comprehensive report and handover documentation to support long-term implementation of solutions   Stretch Goal:  Implement a pilot reorganisation in a selected warehouse location and measure the impact on efficiency   WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR   MUST HAVE:   Currently pursuing or recently completed an MBA or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field   Strong analytical and problem-solving skills   Attention to detail and a passion for data quality   Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting   Ability to apply operations and logistics concepts and theories   Takes ownership and accountability for task completion by delivering results   Proactive communicator, comfortable seeking clarification and feedback   Ability to work independently and manage time effectively   Collaborative mindset, able to work with cross-functional teams   Interest in logistics, supply chain, or warehouse management   NICE TO HAVE:   Experience in stores, warehouse, or inventory management roles   Experience in logistics, supply chain, or data analysis roles   Experience with process improvement or efficiency projects   Familiarity with data visualisation tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)   Basic knowledge of inventory management systems or ERP software (e.g., Infor, SAP, Oracle)   Understanding of warehouse management best practices   Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)   Knowledge of aerospace or high-reliability manufacturing environments   Passion for aerospace, space technology, and innovation   WHAT WE OFFER   Hands-on experience optimising real warehouse operations for aerospace manufacturing   Opportunity to directly impact operational efficiency across multiple facilities   Mentorship from experienced supply chain and logistics professionals   Professional development opportunities in supply chain management and data analytics   Collaborative and innovative work environment at our Auckland Production Complex   Exposure to aerospace manufacturing and rocket production operations   Experience working with inventory management systems and ERP software   Opportunity to present findings to senior stakeholders   Direct contribution to improving efficiency for Electron and Neutron programmes   Potential pathway to future career opportunities at Rocket Lab   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.   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 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.

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