Avionics Systems Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an integrated space enterprise offering comprehensive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite components, and more, aiming to broaden access to space. Their Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, having deployed over 230 satellites. The company is pioneering the Neutron reusable medium-lift vehicle and supporting key NASA missions, including lunar and Martian projects, as well as contributing components for the James Webb Space Telescope.

Engineering at Rocket Lab

The engineering team plays a central role, responsible for innovative rocket and spacecraft development encompassing design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly, quality control, and documentation, collaborating across various disciplines.

Role Overview: Avionics Systems Engineer

This position involves hands-on systems engineering for flight safety systems (FSS) associated with the Electron launch vehicle. Responsibilities cover managing requirements, hardware development, design decision-making, verification processes, and supporting certification efforts. The role requires proficiency in electronic hardware and strong documentation skills, contributing to mission-critical decisions within a collaborative team focused on maintaining rapid launch capabilities worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive systems engineering tasks throughout FSS development, including requirements handling, prototype design, system integration, and testing through qualification phases.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, and operations teams to deliver flight-certified electronics.
• Plan and execute testing strategies at component and system levels, lead failure analysis, and implement design enhancements.
• Analyze flight data for environmental limit breaches and devise mitigation strategies.
• Create system architectures for flight safety avionics applicable to launch vehicles and ground testing setups.
• Engage with regulatory bodies to facilitate certification processes.
• Guide junior engineers and promote continuous process improvements within the team.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent practical experience with at least two years in relevant technical roles.
• Proven involvement in electronics hardware lifecycle stages including design, testing, and qualification.
• Experience preparing technical documentation for external use such as test plans, verification reports, or certification-related materials.
• Competency in system or subsystem requirements management including change tracking and verification to maintain traceability.
• Familiarity working cross-functionally with hardware engineers, software teams, and manufacturing groups.
• Foundational knowledge of hardware and software principles including schematic interpretation, sensor and instrumentation basics, and simple test script programming.
• Involvement with environmental testing protocols including vibration, shock, thermal, thermal vacuum (TVAC), EMI/EMC, or accelerated life testing.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Background with avionics systems or experience in RF, medical devices, or safety-critical systems.
• Understanding of electronics failure modes and troubleshooting methods.
• Hands-on proficiency with electronics testing instruments such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, data acquisition units, and multimeters.
• Experience using requirements management tools like Jama or DOORS.
• Previous roles supporting certification or regulatory compliance efforts by interfacing with agencies and preparing documentation.
• Participation in launch campaigns, flight tests, or operational missions.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB for data evaluation or automating tests.
• Experience with flight safety and termination systems, including autonomous flight safety systems.
• Knowledge of Range Safety standards (RCC-319 or RCC-324) and involvement in launch range certification activities.

Additional Information

Rocket Lab provides extensive on-the-job training and welcomes applicants with interest in mission-critical electronic systems even if aerospace or flight safety experience is limited. Multiple seniority levels are available based on experience.

The company values hard work, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and humility, emphasizing a collaborative environment focused on goal achievement under pressure.

Important Legal and Eligibility Notes

Applicants seeking roles in the U.S. must comply with government regulations including ITAR, requiring citizenship or legal residency status or equivalent authorizations.

For New Zealand office applicants, background and nationality checks will ensure compliance with ITAR and eligibility for access to controlled equipment/data. Eligibility is generally limited to certain nationalities including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU, NATO members, and excludes certain dual citizenship scenarios.

Rocket Lab maintains an equal employment opportunity policy and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.