HITL Engineer I

About the role

Based in Auckland, NZ, the HITL Engineer I is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the Production, Electron and Neutron organizations and will be responsible for developing and implementing tools and automation solutions to optimize and streamline HITL system operations.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Work within a small team dedicated to designing, operating, and maintaining the avionic test systems to support all of Rocket Lab's mission from the production floor to the launch operations.
• Ensure the HITL systems are subjected to an appropriate level of engineering rigor and documentation.
• Work with other teams to verify the functionality and performance of the Rocket Lab avionic components.
• Contribute directly to the development of automation tools to optimize running HITL operations.
• Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions.
• Work hands-on with test and flight space hardware.
• Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports.
• Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria.
• Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal teams, vendors, and customers.
• Operate and capture data from test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, etc.).
• Work under the New Zealand HITL team to improve the HITL standardization processes and automation.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered):

• Bachelor's degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 1+ years of engineering experience with hardware or software development.
• Practical experience with Python development for backend applications
• A good theoretical and/or practical understanding of electronic systems
• Exposure to designing and implementing test systems for electronics
• An understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related fields.
• Prior experience working on a HITL test, Avionics test, or Software test team.
• Ability to understand and create technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports.
• Prior experience participating to Design andAacceptance reviews.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and an aptitude for technical guidance and mentoring of junior engineers.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines.
• Have the mindset of actively "make and break" to find flaws and issues and report them.
• Experience with harness manufacturing, electrical connectors, crimping, and soldering.
• Familiarity with Ethernet, RS485/422/232, CAN, LVDS, SpaceWire protocols.
• Strong understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience with computer networking: switching, routing and subnetting.
• Experience reading engineering drawings.
• Experience with PLCs, relays, and power systems.
• Familiarity with Python, C++, Linux, CI/CD, Git, NX and SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of spacecraft systems or similar highly complex and autonomous systems.
• Experience with general design, documentation, and presentation in Microsoft Suite (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with quality reporting and management, work instruction peer review, test procedure or data review, and time recording in Jira.
• Ability to be self-motivated.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.