Neumann Space – Computer or Data Science / Software Engineering Placement

Organisational Overview:

Neumann Space is an Australian space technology company developing advanced electric propulsion systems for spacecraft. Their proprietary pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) technology, the Neumann Drive, uses solid metallic propellants to deliver safe, efficient, and scalable in-space propulsion.

Internship Scope (Software & Data Systems for Space Pulsed Plasma Thrusters):

Neumann Space is currently offering a Semester 1 internship opportunity for students enrolled in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Data Science programs. This internship is structured to align with university placement requirements and can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis (negotiable) for up to 38 hours per week.

During this placement, you will work alongside Neumann Space’s Software Engineering team to enhance and automate the software systems and data workflows that support the validation and verification of customer propulsion units. You will be embedded within the engineering group and contribute to a core project focused on streamlining the testing and reporting pipeline.

You will receive guidance from experienced engineers throughout the project, including support during planning, design, PCB development, testing, instrumentation setup, and data analysis. You will gain exposure to specialised electrical testing environments and the engineering workflows used in the development of space‑ready hardware.

Internship Duration:

8–20 weeks with the flexibility to work part-time or full-time depending on study commitments.

Expected Learning Outcomes:

• Gain real-world experience in software development within an engineering-focused environment supporting real space hardware testing
• Acquire exposure to high-performance data workflows and cloud infrastructure
• Mentorship from experienced software and propulsion engineers
• Build communication and teamwork skills through active collaboration with a dynamic and vibrant engineering team

Anticipated Tasks for the Role:

• Automation of Data Workflows: Improve the efficiency and reliability of data collection, processing, and storage during thruster testing.
• Software Development: Enhance internal tools used for test monitoring, data logging, and report generation.
• Cloud Integration: Utilize AWS services to manage data storage, access control, and scalability.
• Data Visualisation: Build intuitive dashboards and visual tools to interpret test results and performance metrics. Automate PDF report generation
• Customer Reporting System: Develop a system that allows customers to automatically access individual unit test reports via QR codes, linking to secure, cloud-hosted summaries.

Ideal Candidate:

• Penultimate and final year undergraduate student studying Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Data Science.
• Proficient in Python, Matlab and familiar with data visualisation libraries.
• Experience with AWS services (e.g., S3, Lambda).
• Understanding of software development best practices and version control (e.g., Git).
• Interest in space technology and hardware/software integration.

Student Eligibility:

Successful applicants must be:

• Australian citizens, residing in South Australia
• Enrolled in a relevant undergraduate discipline in Adelaide University or Flinders University
• Eligible to undertake a credit-bearing internship course for this internship experience

Other Requirements:

• COVID vaccination (proof may be requested if shortlisted for interview)
• National Police Check (if you already hold one, please confirm in your cover letter)

Application Closing: 4 February 2026 (11.59pm)

Anticipated Internship Commencement Date: End of Feb / March 2026

Application Process:

To be considered for this internship and the Defence Industry Connection Program Scholarship (valued at up to $7,500), please complete your application by following these steps:

1. Register your resume/profile here: https://defencescholarships.aigroup.com.au/register-login/
2. Click “Apply” at the top of this placement advertisement.
3. Also email your cover letter to dicp@australianindustrygroup.com.au outlining your interest and relevant experience. Please refer to the eligibility criteria to ensure you’ve confirmed your COVID Vaccination and National Police Check status in this cover letter.

Shortlisted applicants will be advised of the outcome approximately two to three weeks after application closing date.

For any queries, please contact the DICP Team (Saba or Taryn) at dicp@australianindustrygroup.com.au.