Avionics Design Engineer I

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space company specializing in responsive launch services, spacecraft design and production, payloads, satellite components, and related technologies. Our missions enable cutting-edge space exploration, Earth monitoring, climate change initiatives, national security, and innovative tech demonstrations worldwide.

The Electron rocket ranks as the second-most launched U.S. rocket annually, having successfully placed over 230 satellites in orbit. Our upcoming medium-lift, reusable rocket, Neutron, aims to serve larger constellation deployments. Our Space Systems division delivers a wide range of satellites, payloads, and components, including technology selected for NASA lunar and Mars missions as well as the James Webb Space Telescope.

Neutron Program

The Neutron team focuses on bringing our large rocket and associated US launch and test facilities to operational readiness. This includes design, testing, and development of structures and propulsion systems such as the Archimedes engines, and establishment of launch infrastructure.

As part of the Neutron Avionics Hardware team, you will play a key role in evolving advanced launch vehicle avionics systems from concept through to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of avionics components and subsystems, acting as the lead contact for your designated scope.
• Manage the entire electronics hardware lifecycle—from requirements gathering and prototyping to debugging, schematic design, PCB layout, integration, testing, and production deployment.
• Design and evaluate digital, power, and analog sensing circuits engineered for demanding aerospace environments.
• Plan and execute comprehensive test campaigns for avionics units, including computing modules and high-voltage systems, ensuring compliance with all specifications.
• Develop automation tools using Python and C/C++ for interfacing with testing hardware and production systems.
• Perform critical technical analyses, including Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), component derating, root cause investigations, and risk assessments with mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams across the organization to meet program goals.
• Review and approve engineering documents such as change requests, schematics, PCB designs, and testing procedures.
• Document test protocols, maintenance, and calibration processes, while providing training and ongoing support for new avionics systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in electronics hardware development, encompassing concept through to production.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensor technologies including power supplies, serial devices, switching circuits, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory test equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, electronic loads, digital multimeters, function generators, and calibration devices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Self-driven with an ownership mindset, capable of independently managing tasks and projects to completion.
• Effective problem-solving skills aimed at improving cost, quality, reliability, and delivery performance.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with environmental testing procedures, including vibration, shock, thermal extremes, electromagnetic interference (EMI/EMC), and thermal vacuum (TVAC) tests.
• Proficiency in Altium Designer software for PCB design.
• Programming skills in Python, C, and C++.

Additional Information

Rocket Lab commits to fostering an inclusive workplace free of discrimination across all employment decisions, ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

Applicants working in the United States must comply with ITAR requirements; eligibility depends on citizenship or legal status permitting access to regulated technology. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the hiring process.

For candidates seeking employment in New Zealand, background and nationality checks consistent with ITAR regulations are mandatory. Eligible candidates typically hold citizenship in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, NATO countries or equivalent.