Avionics Engineer II - Test

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated space company that provides responsive launch services alongside spacecraft design, manufacturing, payloads, satellite parts, and related solutions, all aimed at broadening access to space. Its launch vehicles and satellites support a wide range of missions, including scientific research, Earth-observation work, climate-focused initiatives, national security programs, and technology demonstrations.

The Electron rocket is now the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. At the same time, Rocket Lab is advancing Neutron, its reusable medium-lift launch vehicle built for larger constellation deployments. The company’s Space Systems division produces satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware chosen for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About Space Systems at Rocket Lab

The Space Systems team owns the full lifecycle of Rocket Lab’s satellites and satellite hardware. That includes complete spacecraft for lunar and Martian missions as well as the individual subsystems that make a satellite work, such as solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels, star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. The team brings together engineers and technicians who build satellites for commercial, government, and defense programs, as well as hardware and software that support other spacecraft missions.

Role Overview

As an Avionics Engineer II - Test, you will lead and execute testing for avionics and power electronics systems. The role combines test planning, troubleshooting, failure analysis, automation development, and direct support across integration and operations.

What You’ll Do

• Build, plan, and run test programs for avionics components and subsystems, including high-voltage and power-electronics hardware.
• Work with design teams and customers to define, capture, and document test expectations.
• Carry out practical troubleshooting during component bring-up, integration, and operational phases.
• Investigate failures to identify root causes and carry out corrective actions.
• Develop and validate analytical and empirical models for electrical systems.
• Create automated test systems and tools for data processing and analysis.
• Write Python, C, and C++ code to operate test equipment and collect data.
• Assist in designing electronic circuits and assemblies used for automated testing.
• Review and interpret system-level data from integrated test programs and launch operations.
• Support production technicians and manufacturing engineers with technical guidance.
• Prepare and update procedures, technical records, and training materials.
• Follow all health and safety requirements and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 4 years of experience in hardware development or electronics test engineering.
• Practical experience using lab instruments and sensors such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors.
• Exposure to aerospace environmental testing methods, including vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC testing.
• Strong diagnostic ability and a methodical approach to troubleshooting electronic hardware.
• Comfort using electrical test equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to perform well in a fast-moving environment that requires both independence and teamwork.
• Clear communication and strong documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience taking hardware from initial concept through production release.
• 3 or more years of programming experience in Python, C, C++, or Matlab.
• Background with FPGA-based systems and high-voltage electronics.
• Experience using PCB design software such as Altium, Eagle, or KiCAD.
• Hands-on work with automated test equipment and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with root-cause analysis methods such as FMECA.
• Previous work in aerospace or space systems.
• Experience supporting production teams and training technicians.

What to Expect

Rocket Lab describes its environment as highly demanding, collaborative, and mission-driven. The company emphasizes determination, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and a strong bias toward action. Team members are expected to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivering results.

Important Information for U.S. Candidates

Applicants for U.S. offices must meet export-control requirements under ITAR and related regulations. Eligible employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylum holder, or otherwise able to obtain the necessary U.S. government authorizations.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other protected characteristics. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave, compensation, and training. Applicants in the U.S. who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact the listed accommodation resource.

Important Information for New Zealand Candidates

For roles in New Zealand, security checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality screening because access to regulated equipment and data is required under ITAR rules. Applicants may be ineligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if they have an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.