Material Engineer/Scientist Intern
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Type: Full-time, fixed-term internship, paid: $28-32 per hour
Duration: 8–12 weeks (depending on candidate availability): high likelihood of extension beyond the internship
Intake timing:
Winter intake (June start): 1 position
Summer intake (Nov start): 1–2 positions
(updated on Jun 2026)
Xplora Ventures is a deep-tech startup developing a new category of energy storage — a heat battery that stores excess warmth from summer and releases it in winter. By enabling long-duration, zero-loss thermal storage, we aim to redefine how the world stores and uses heat. Our vision is to move energy beyond boundaries — of time, place, and imagination.
We is seeking a highly motivated Material Scientist Intern to support the mission. This internship offers hands-on laboratory experience, exposure to real-world material development challenges, and opportunities to contribute to scaling innovative technologies.
Assist in material formulation and optimisation for targeted performance
Conduct hands-on experimental work including synthesis, processing, and testing
Support analysis of structure–property relationships using experimental data
Perform material characterisation (DSC/TGA, SEM, Optical Microscopy, etc.)
Support scale-up activities from lab-scale to pilot-scale processes
Collaborate across cross-functional teams, including mechanical and commercial teams
Maintain laboratory safety standards and follow health & safety protocols
Who are we looking for?
Strong interest in materials science and applied R&D
Hands-on experimental mindset with attention to detail and strong understanding of structure-property relationships
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Open-minded, ambitious, and eager to tackle real-world challenges
Confident communicator who can communicate to cross-functional team
Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
Familiarity with material characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, SEM, microscopy) is desirable
Why Xplora?
At Xplora, we are building innovative solutions to real-world challenges – and we welcome people who are excited to be part of this journey. This is a place where you will be trusted with real responsibility from day one, contribute to projects that truly matters, and supported by like-minded people. We embrace challenges and ambiguity as part of building something meaningful.
We are not looking for someone who is perfect; we are looking for someone who is curious, mission-driven, taking ownership and willing to learn, grow, and build with us.
If you’re someone who wants more than just a job — who wants to build something that matters and grow as fast as the company does — let’s talk.
Just send us a note — even a few paragraphs is fine — about why this role sounds exciting to you. Include your CV, or a project you’ve built, or something else that tells your story.
👉 Email us at hello@xploraventures.com
(Please specify your preferred intake timing in your application.)