Team Lead - Space Systems Avionics Components

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ABOUT SPACE SYSTEMS AT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA’s Artemis program, launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the moon. Then we became just the second company to successfully complete reentry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time. Soon we’re going to Mars! Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science mission with the University of California Berkeley and NASA.

We manufacture bespoke satellites for highly complex missions, through to entire constellations. And we’re unique in offering vertical integration with our in-house satellite components too. This means we can move fast, design and build components exactly the way we want them, and constantly innovate.

Our Space Systems team does the impossible, taking on the most challenging and rewarding missions - and we’re only just getting started!

TEAM LEAD – AVIONICS COMPONENTS

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Team Lead for Space Systems Components to join our dynamic engineering team. In this role, you will lead the strategic planning, design, development, testing, and implementation of advanced avionics systems. You will leverage your technical expertise and leadership acumen to guide a multidisciplinary team that includes experts in Mechatronics, Mechanisms, Electrical, and Control Engineering disciplines, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

The successful candidate will coordinate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of avionics components into spacecraft. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining project schedules and deliverables, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, providing technical insights to senior leadership, and driving engineering best practices.

• Develop avionics components and architectures through the full lifecycle – from requirements, through R&D prototyping, to production implementation.
• Use all available information and data to manage technical risks to avionics components, including assessments of probability and consequence.
• Lead the root-cause analysis into anomalies and failures in avionics components, and supervise small teams to solve significant engineering challenges.
• Support the development of engineering and business processes to sustain Rocket Lab growth and capability.
• Contribute to the development of engineering best practices, including R&D, design for manufacture, and engineering change.

YOU'LL BRING THESE SKILLS:

• Technical Leadership and Expertise: Hands-on engineering and technical leadership experience, particularly in developing avionics hardware and providing subject matter expertise throughout the full lifecycle of components, from requirements through R&D prototyping and production implementation.
• Risk Management and Problem Solving: Proven ability to manage technical risks using assessments of probability and consequence, and lead root-cause analysis into anomalies and failures in avionics components, driving solutions to significant engineering challenges.
• Design and Development: Strong skills in overseeing and reviewing the design of electronic boards, performing design analyses and validations, and assessing new technologies to generate technology pipelines and support strategic development.
• Process Improvement: Experience in supporting the development of engineering and business processes, contributing to engineering best practices in areas such as R&D, design for manufacture, and engineering change to support organizational growth and capability.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship: Demonstrated ability in managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team, providing support to ensure motivation, effectiveness, and efficiency, and fostering opportunities for professional development and coaching for personal objectives.

ROCKET LAB EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
• Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

If the above sounds like you apply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.