Senior Avionics System Engineer - Electron

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, all 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. 

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Rocket Lab is looking for an experienced and highly motivated Systems Engineer to develop the avionics for the Electron vehicle.

This is a rare and exciting hands-on role that spans the full lifecycle: requirements management, hardware development, oversee test execution, certification activities, V&V for flight readiness and also provide technical guidance during Electron missions. You'll work across hardware, software, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready systems that enable our rapid launch cadence. The role requires knowledge of core system engineering fundamentals, good technical judgment, practical problem-solving skills, and clear communication with internal teams and external regulatory bodies.

YOU'LL GET TO:

Own & Ship:

• Exercise core systems engineering - manage requirements and software from design through to flight, ensuring traceability and standards compliance
• Develop requirements, verification and control methods for avionics hardware
• Support launch operations by investigating hardware faults, reviewing flight data, and implementing corrective actions

Solve & Fix:

• Lead component qualification testing, environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC), and failure investigations
• Work with production teams to ensure RCC-319 requirements are correctly implemented and interpreted
• Oversee hardware and procedures used for HITL and end-to-end testing at launch sites, including defining hardware integration and test software requirements

Build & Improve:

• Develop processes and tools to automate pre and post flight data analysis, collaborating with Mission Analysis with vehicle simulations
• Drive process improvements in production (NCR handling), launch operations (approval workflows, operator training), and test infrastructure
• Establish system engineering documentation practices that don't rely on institutional knowledge

Lead & Scale:

• Interface with NASA and FAA on certification activities, prepare compliance documentation, and respond to regulatory feedback
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across teams
• Work across disciplines with hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready systems

Grow & Deliver:

• Ability to prioritise work independently and move between systems-level thinking and hands-on problem solving
• Strong written communication skills for technical documentation, test plans, and regulatory submissions
• Good technical judgment and practical problem-solving skills

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Core requirements:

• 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
• Ability to prioritise work independently
• Comfortable working across disciplines with hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams

BONUS POINTS FOR:

• 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

EXPECTATIONS

• Practical engineering approach with ability to move between systems-level thinking and hands-on problem solving
• Clear communication with internal teams and external regulatory bodies
• Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and adherence to company policies
• Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed at all times

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Domestic and international travel may be required
• Additional duties as reasonably required
• Adherence to company policies and procedures is expected

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.

Note: We're looking for practical engineers who can move between systems-level thinking and hands-on problem solving. Aerospace experience is not required. If you've developed electronic systems in other industries and want to work on mission-critical hardware, we want to hear from you. Rocket Lab provides comprehensive on-the-job training for flight safety systems and certification processes.

 

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.