Avionics Design Engineer I

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO Own and lead avionics components and subsystems, serving as the first point of contact in your area of responsibility. Execute full lifecycle development of electronic components – from requirements gathering and prototyping through debugging, schematic capture, PCB layout, board bring-up, mechanical integration, testing, and production implementation. Design and test digital, power, and analog sensing circuits for harsh aerospace environments. Develop and execute test campaigns for avionics components, including computing modules and high‑voltage systems, ensuring all requirements are fully met. Create automation software in Python and C/C++ to interact with units‑under‑test, automated test equipment, and production ERP systems. Conduct critical analyses, including FMECA, derating, root‑cause analysis for component failures, and risk assessments with mitigation strategies. Collaborate cross‑functionally with teams across the company to achieve ambitious program goals. Review and approve engineering changes, schematics, PCB designs, test documentation, and other technical documents. Develop documentation for test procedures, maintenance, and calibration of new systems while providing training and ongoing support. YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline. 1+ years of experience with electronics hardware development from concept through production. Strong understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors, including power supplies, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4‑20mA sensors. Hands‑on proficiency with lab test equipment, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, electronic loads, DMMs, function generators, and process calibrators. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ownership mentality with the ability to drive tasks and projects to completion independently. Problem‑solving mindset with the ability to identify challenges and develop solutions that improve cost, quality, reliability, and delivery. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed. THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE Experience with environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal, EMI/EMC, and TVAC. Proficiency in Altium Designer. Programming experience with Python, C, and C++. 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 [email protected]. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr