Senior Avionics System Engineer - Electron Flight Safety Systems

About Rocket Lab and This Role

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise providing launch services, spacecraft design, payloads, satellite components, and more to facilitate access to space. Our Electron rocket is among the most frequently launched U.S. rockets, having delivered over 230 satellites to orbit, while we also develop Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems division produces satellites and components supporting NASA missions and major space instruments.

Engineering is central to Rocket Lab's mission. Our team works across design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly, quality control, and documentation to create exceptional rockets and spacecraft. The Electron Avionics Team seeks a systems engineer to lead technical development and certification of Flight Safety Systems and Autonomous Flight Termination System hardware, ensuring their readiness for flight.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage requirements for Flight Safety Systems hardware and software throughout design to flight, ensuring traceability and compliance with relevant standards.
• Create requirements, verification strategies, and control techniques for avionics hardware.
• Lead component qualification and environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and perform failure investigations.
• Oversee test rigs and procedures for end-to-end verification at launch sites, including hardware integration and test software support.
• Assist launch operations by analyzing hardware faults, examining flight data, and implementing corrective measures.
• Develop automated processes and tools for pre- and post-flight data analysis in collaboration with Mission Analysis and vehicle simulations teams.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies such as NASA and FAA during certification activities, prepare compliance documentation, and address feedback.
• Drive improvements in production processes, launch operations workflows, and testing infrastructure.
• Collaborate with production teams to interpret and apply RCC-319 requirements accurately.
• Mentor junior engineers and help establish systems engineering documentation practices to reduce reliance on informal knowledge.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering field, or equivalent experience.
• Over 2 years of experience in developing electronic systems including design, testing, and qualification phases.
• 2+ years operating in systems engineering roles, managing requirements and verification for hardware or systems in dynamic environments.
• Practical hardware debugging skills and familiarity with test instruments such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and multimeters.
• Strong technical writing abilities for documentation, test planning, and regulatory submissions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with safety-critical or certified systems (e.g., avionics, medical devices, automotive safety).
• Knowledge of Range Safety standards like RCC-319, RCC-324, or comparable certification frameworks.
• Familiarity with flight termination systems, radio frequency systems, or pyrotechnic devices.
• Understanding of environmental testing standards and qualification procedures.
• Programming proficiency in Python or MATLAB for automation and data analysis.
• Experience with requirements management software such as Jama or DOORS.
• Exposure to launch campaigns, flight tests, or mission operations.
• Insight into electronics failure modes and root cause analysis techniques.

Work Environment and Expectations

Rocket Lab fosters a culture of hard work, resilience, continuous innovation, and teamwork to achieve ambitious goals in space technology. Our engineers balance big-picture systems thinking with hands-on troubleshooting. The aerospace experience is beneficial but not mandatory; candidates from other industries with electronic system development experience are encouraged to apply.

Important Compliance Information

For U.S. Based Applicants: Due to U.S. Government export controls under ITAR, employees must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or lawfully authorized for access by the U.S. Department of State and Commerce.

For New Zealand Based Applicants: Security clearances including nationality verification compliant with ITAR regulations are mandatory. Eligible nationalities include citizens of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, NATO countries. Certain dual citizenships may be disqualifying.

Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.