Avionics Systems Engineer

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!