Foil Production Intern

The Role

At Vessev, we’re building a new era of transport on water. Our vessels fly above the surface using advanced hydrofoils and electric propulsion systems. A critical part of making this possible is the production of hydrofoils, which combine high-performance composites, precision engineering, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.

We’re looking for a Production Engineering Intern to join our team. This is a hands-on role where you’ll contribute directly to the production, testing, and refinement of the hydrofoils that give our boats their flying ability. You’ll be right in the middle of the action, helping to turn designs into real, high-performance hardware.

• You don’t need to be a marine or foiling expert. What matters most is curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.
• Internships like this don’t come around often. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 400 hours, paid at $30 per hour.

What you’ll work on

As a Foil Production Intern, you’ll support the manufacture and validation of reliable, efficient, and high-performance hydrofoils. Your day-to-day could include:

• Process development: Assisting with tooling, jigging, kitting and production workflows to improve repeatability and efficiency.
• Testing & validation: Supporting structural and other testing to ensure foils meet performance requirements.
• Data collection & analysis: Recording test results, production metrics, and quality data, then helping interpret findings to drive improvements.
• Hands-on fabrication: Assisting with layup, curing, trimming, and finishing of composite test parts and foils.
• Pre-production builds: Helping manufacture and assemble early-stage foil units, gaining experience in how engineering designs translate into production.
• Continuous improvement: Suggesting and trialling new methods to reduce complexity, optimise manufacturing processes, or improve quality.

What You’Ll Learn

During Your Internship, You’Ll Gain:

• Real-world experience in composite production and assembly.
• Mentorship from engineers and boatbuilders who have worked on everything from America’s Cup foils to aerospace structures.
• Exposure to hydrofoil manufacturing processes and their integration into advanced vessels.
• Skills in quality assurance, testing, and process optimisation.

Requirements

At Vessev, we’re looking for exceptional interns who are eager to take on real engineering challenges. You don’t need to meet every single requirement to apply, but we do expect drive, curiosity, and the ability to contribute meaningfully from day one.

You don’t need to be a marine or EV expert. What matters most is curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.

Qualifications & Experience

• Working towards (or recently completed) a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, Manufacturing, or Mechatronics Engineering.
• Strong foundation in manufacturing processes, and materials.
• Experience with hands-on workshop or fabrication projects through coursework, internships, or personal projects.
• Ability to follow and contribute to technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Familiarity with CAD (preferably Onshape).

Bonus Experience

• Exposure to composite materials (layup, curing, finishing).
• Knowledge of structural mechanics and load-bearing design.
• Familiarity with production engineering systems (MRP/ERP, MES).
• Experience with tool and fixture design.
• Skills in data collection, analysis, or process documentation.
• Hands-on experience within marine, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing.

An Internship With Impact

This is a chance to contribute to pioneering technology that’s shaping the future of transport on the water. You’ll leave with practical skills, meaningful experience, and the chance to say you helped build one of the world’s most advanced marine propulsion systems.

Our dream is for you to walk away from this internship with something you’re proud of, and that could only have happened at Vessev.

Our Story

We’re here to set a better world in motion – cleaner air, better commutes, and deeper connections with nature and each other. Our hydrofoiling electric vessels use up to 90% less energy than traditional boats, unlocking entirely new opportunities.

We’re backed by top-tier investors including Blackbird Ventures, and our team includes talent from the America’s Cup, SpaceX, Rocketlab, Halter, Apple, and leading climate startups. But titles don’t matter here – what matters is how we show up: with purpose, humility, and a restless optimism for what’s possible.

We’re office-first but not office-only. We believe in building together, in person, where the real magic happens. That said, we trust our team to do what’s right and we know life isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Why our people love Vessev

• We’re building something different – from how we move on the water to the kind of team and workplace we’re creating
• The chance to work on technology that can drive real, lasting impact in the world
• A team of hugely talented and collaborative people
• Being on the water is part of our job – from trips on our vessels to our offices that border the Tamaki River
• And if the water’s where you want to be, you’ll be in good company. You’ll find no shortage of boaters, beach goers, sailors, foilers, surfers, and kiteboarders here.

Join Our Team

To apply, send us your CV and a short cover letter that gives us a sense of who you are and why you're excited for this role.

Research shows that women and other under-represented groups often only apply when they meet every requirement – even though they could be an excellent fit. If you see yourself doing great work here, but don’t tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re building a team where everyone has the chance to do their best work.

If you have questions please send them to careers@vessev.com