Neumann Space – Electrical / Electronic 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 (Electronics R&D – Space Pulsed Plasma Thrusters): 

Neumann Space is currently offering a hands-on Semester 1 internship opportunity for students enrolled in Electronic, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering. This internship is designed to meet university placement requirements and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis (negotiable) for up to 38 hours per week. 

During this internship, you will work alongside Neumann Space’s Electronics Engineering team on the development and experimental testing of high-voltage hardware used in pulsed plasma thrusters. You will be embedded within the engineering group and assigned a focused R&D project involving the design, build, and evaluation of high-voltage PCB prototypes intended for use in vacuum chamber environments. 

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 flexibility to work part-time or full-time over different study periods. 

Expected Learning Outcomes for the Intern: 

• Gain practical experience in high-voltage electronics design and space propulsion testing within a real engineering environment. 

• Exposure to advanced R&D workflows in a commercial space company 

• Mentorship from experienced engineers and researchers to support technical growth. 

• Strengthen communication and teamwork skills by collaborating closely with a dynamic and vibrant engineering team.  

Anticipated Tasks for the Role: 

• PCB Design: Create test boards with varying trace clearances and tap configurations to test high voltages into the vacuum chamber. Boards will be designed to allow multiple configurations per unit for efficient testing.  

• Conformal Coating: Coordinate with their PCB supplier to apply conformal coatings to selected PCBs for insulation and environmental protection.  

• Vacuum Testing: Conduct chamber tests on coated and uncoated PCBs, progressively reducing component spacing to evaluate breakdown thresholds.  

• Thrust Plume Interaction: Test PCBs both inside and outside the thruster plume to assess electrical and physical resilience.  

• Instrumentation: Set up camera monitoring and current measurement systems to capture performance data and failure modes. 

Ideal Candidate:  

• Penultimate or final year undergraduate student studying Electronics, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering.  

• Strong foundation in PCB design using Altium Designer. 

• Understanding of development best practices and version control (e.g., Git). 

• Detail-oriented, curious, and eager to contribute to space hardware development.  

• Interest in space technology and electronics hardware. 

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 February / 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.