Senior Avionics System Engineer - Electron Flight Safety Systems

About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 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. Systems Engineer, Flight Safety Systems We’re looking for a systems engineer to own the technical development and certification of our Flight Safety Systems (FSS) and Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS). You’ll work within the Electron Avionics Team and be supported by experienced systems, test and hardware development engineers to ensure FSS hardware is ready to fly. Responsibilities Exercise core systems engineering – manage requirements for FSS hardware and software from design through flight, ensuring traceability and standards compliance. Develop requirements, verification and control methods for avionics hardware. Lead component qualification testing, environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC) and failure investigations. Oversee FTS test rigs and procedures used for end‑to‑end verification at launch sites, including hardware integration and test software. Support launch operations by investigating hardware faults, reviewing flight data, and implementing corrective actions. Develop processes and tools to automate pre and post flight data analysis, collaborating with Mission Analysis with vehicle simulations. Interface with NASA and FAA on certification activities, prepare compliance documentation, and respond to regulatory feedback. Drive process improvements in production (NCR handling), launch operations (approval workflows, operator training), and test infrastructure. Work with production teams to ensure RCC‑319 requirements are correctly implemented and interpreted. Mentor junior engineers and establish system engineering documentation practices that don’t rely on institutional knowledge. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent experience). 2+ years developing electronic systems through design, test, and qualification phases. 2+ years experience practicing systems engineering – managing requirements and verification activities for hardware or systems in a fast‑paced environment. Hands‑on hardware debugging skills and familiarity with test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters). Strong written communication skills for technical documentation, test plans, and regulatory submissions. Comfortable working across disciplines with hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams. Nice to Have Experience with safety‑critical or certified systems (avionics, medical devices, automotive safety). Familiarity with Range Safety standards (RCC‑319, RCC‑324) or similar certification frameworks. Knowledge of flight termination systems, RF systems, or pyrotechnic devices. Experience with environmental testing standards and qualification processes. Programming skills in Python or MATLAB for test automation and data analysis. Requirements management tools (Jama, DOORS). Supported launch campaigns, flight tests, or mission operations. Understanding of electronics failure modes and root cause analysis techniques. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr