_{17th July, 2025}

Only applicants who are eligible to work in New Zealand and meet our requirements will be considered for this position.

This position is available between November 2025 and January 2026. Interviews will start on 1 August 2025. 
  
Equal Opportunity Statement - Applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. OpenStar Technologies is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where innovation thrives.

Who are we?
OpenStar Technologies is on a mission to repeat the feats of Maui and capture the power of the Sun. By mastering fusion, the process that powers the stars, we can generate safe, clean, carbon free, base load electricity in a way that is economically scalable to the challenge of mitigating climate disaster and giving birth to the next industrial revolution. The team is currently made up of 60 talented engineers and physicists, based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), Aotearoa.

Culture comment:
At OpenStar Technologies, our culture is founded on a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. We empower every member of our team with meaningful responsibility, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive in pursuit of our collective mission.


Job Description

Join OpenStar’s Special Projects Team as a Neutron Shielding Intern, where you’ll take on a first-of-its-kind design challenge: developing a neutron shielding solution for OpenStar’s fusion reactor system. 

This project focuses on detailed mechanical design of shielding structures capable of attenuating neutron radiation in an extreme operating environment. You’ll work closely with our engineering and materials teams to propose, model, and document a system that considers not only geometry, but also lifetime performance and manufacturability. 


Project Scope 

1. Concept Development 

• Conduct a literature review of shielding strategies and neutron-absorbing materials used in fusion and nuclear environments. 
• Gather real-world requirements based on OpenStar’s unique reactor geometry, maintenance needs, and experimental setup. 

2. Detailed CAD Design 

• Create 3D CAD models of neutron shielding assemblies with enough detail for simulation and manufacturing evaluation. 
• Iterate designs based on simulation insights and system integration constraints. 

3. Documentation and Analysis 

• Produce comprehensive documentation for the shield’s mechanical design and conceptual manufacturing process. 
• Deliver a lifetime analysis of components exposed to neutron flux, considering degradation, activation, and thermal effects. 

  

Day-to-Day Responsibilities 

• Use CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Fusion 360) to produce and iterate design concepts. 
• Perform FEA (Finite Element Analysis) on key parts to evaluate stress and thermal performance. 
• Participate in design reviews and team meetings with cross-disciplinary experts. 
• Maintain high-quality design and process documentation. 

  
Requirements

• Completion of 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate degree in mechanical, aerospace, materials or mechatronics engineering or a related field. 
• Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools for mechanical design and stress/thermal analysis. 
• Demonstrated ability to think critically about complex mechanical systems in a high-performance environment. 

  
Nice to Have 

• Completion of thermal systems or heat transfer coursework. 
• Experience with materials selection for radiation environments or high-temperature design. 
• Working knowledge of Python for data analysis or simulation scripting. 

Internship Details

• Type: Fixed-term (400 hours)
• Rate: $28.95/hour gross
• 8% holiday pay (pay-as-you-go)
• 3% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Location: On-site at OpenStar Technologies, Ngauranga, Wellington, NZ

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