Avionics Systems Engineer
TLDR
Develop flight safety avionics and flight termination systems for Electron, guiding requirements, hardware design, verification, and certification across the lifecycle.
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:
Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.
AVIONICS SYSTEM ENGINEER:
Rocket Lab is looking for an Avionics Systems Engineer to develop flight safety systems (FSS) for the Electron launch vehicle. In this hands-on role, you'll apply systems engineering across the FSS and Flight Termination System (FTS) development lifecycle—managing requirements, developing electrical hardware, driving design decisions, executing verification campaigns, and supporting certification activities. The role requires technical depth across electronics hardware and systems, plus strong written communication skills. You'll make critical mission decisions, work closely with a supportive team, and develop expertise in systems that fundamental to enabling Rocket Lab's rapid launch cadence across global sites.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Execute hands-on systems engineering across the full development cycle: requirements management, design prototyping, system integration, and verification through qualification
- Work directly with hardware, software, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready electronic systems
- Plan and execute component and system-level testing campaigns, failure investigations, and design improvements
- Review flight data to identify environmental exceedances and develop mitigation solutions
- Develop system architectures for flight safety avionics on launch vehicles and ground test platforms
- Interface with regulatory agencies to support certification activities
- Mentor engineers and drive process improvements across the team
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent experience) with 2+ years in technical roles
- Led or contributed to electronics hardware development through multiple lifecycle phases (design, test, and qualification)
- Written technical documentation for external audiences (test plans, verification reports, certification packages, or regulatory submissions)
- Managed requirements for a system or subsystem (tracking changes, performing verification, and maintaining traceability)
- Worked across disciplines with hardware engineers, software teams, or manufacturing to deliver a product
- Comfortable with hardware and software fundamentals (reading schematics, understanding sensor/instrumentation basics, and preparing basic test script code)
- Experience with environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC, EMI/EMC or accelerated life
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with avionics systems, RF, medical, or safety-critical applications
- Familiar with electronics failure modes and electronics troubleshooting techniques
- Hands-on experience with electronics test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, DAQ systems, multimeters)
- Used requirements management tools (Jama or DOORS)
- Supported certification or regulatory activities (interfaced with agencies, prepared compliance documentation, or participated in reviews)
- Contributed to a launch campaign, flight test, or mission operations
- Experience with Python or MATLAB for data analysis or test automation
- Worked with flight safety systems, flight termination systems, or autonomous flight safety systems
- Familiar with Range Safety standards including RCC-319 or RCC-324
- Supported launch range safety certification processes such as preparing safety data packages, participating in Flight Safety Reviews, or interfacing with regulatory bodies
Rocket Lab offers comprehensive on-the-job training. If you're interested in mission-critical electronic systems but don't have aerospace or flight safety experience, we still want to hear from you. This position is available at multiple levels commensurate with experience.
If the above sounds like you, apply now!
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Benefits
Learning Budget
comprehensive on-the-job training
Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space company that provides responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, and satellite components, aiming to enhance access to space. We cater to a wide range of clients, from small startups to large enterprises, making space more accessible and affordable for various missions.
- Founded
- Founded 2006
- Employees
- 500+ employees
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense