Propulsion Systems 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 key part of this technology is our Motorpod, which combines propulsion, cooling, and structural integration into a single system.

We’re looking for an intern to join our team, focusing on Motorpod testing and development. This is a hands-on role where you’ll be right in the middle of design, testing, and production – helping to turn ideas into working systems.

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 Propulsion Systems intern, you’ll help ensure our systems are safe, reliable, and high-performing. Your day-to-day could include:

• Hands-on testing: Assisting with performance, durability, and cooling tests of the Motorpod in lab and on-water environments.
• Data collection & analysis: Using sensors and logging tools to capture results, then helping analyse data to spot improvements.
• Design support: Working in CAD to refine test rigs, and prototypes to production designs and troubleshoot issues.
• Pre-production unit fabrication: Helping build and assemble early-stage Motorpod units, giving you direct experience with how designs translate into physical parts.
• Continuous improvement: Suggesting ideas to improve efficiency, reduce complexity, or optimise performance.
• Real-world experience in mechanical testing and validation.
• Exposure to electric propulsion systems and how they integrate with advanced vessels.
• Skills in CAD, prototyping, data analysis, and structural testing.
• Mentorship from engineers who have worked on everything from America’s Cup boats to rocket systems.

What You’Ll Learn

During Your Internship, You’Ll Gain:

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 Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong grasp of mechanical component and system design, analysis, and optimisation.
• Experience taking designs from prototype through to production, either in coursework, personal projects, or internships.
• Ability to create, interpret, and communicate using technical drawings, specifications, and assembly instructions.

Bonus Experience

• Exposure to electric propulsion systems or actuation technologies.
• Understanding of applied fluid dynamics in real-world systems.
• Practical experience with FEA, CFD, or other simulation tools.
• Ability to run data analysis in Python (or similar).
• Background or hands-on involvement in the marine, aerospace, or motorsport industries.

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