Avionics Systems Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a space company that provides end-to-end launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite parts, and related capabilities, all aimed at expanding access to space. Its rockets and satellites support a wide range of missions, including scientific research, Earth observation, climate-focused work, national security, and technology demonstrations.

The Electron rocket is now the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. In parallel, the company is developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle intended for larger constellation deployments. Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About Engineering at Rocket Lab

Engineering sits at the core of the business. The team designs and develops rockets and spacecraft that are reshaping access to space, working across design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, integration, quality control, and engineering documentation. Engineers collaborate closely in a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on execution and teamwork.

Role Overview

Rocket Lab is seeking an Avionics Systems Engineer to help develop flight safety systems for the Electron launch vehicle. This is a practical, hands-on systems engineering position covering the full lifecycle of Flight Safety Systems and Flight Termination Systems, including requirements management, electrical hardware development, design decisions, verification activities, and certification support. The role calls for strong technical knowledge in electronics and systems engineering, along with clear written communication. You will contribute to mission-critical decisions and help enable Rocket Lab’s rapid launch operations across global sites.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will work across the complete development flow for safety-critical avionics and support teams building flight-ready systems.

• Apply systems engineering throughout the full lifecycle, from defining requirements and prototyping designs to integration and qualification testing.
• Partner with hardware, software, and operations teams to deliver electronic systems ready for flight use.
• Plan and carry out component- and system-level test programs, investigate failures, and drive design refinements.
• Analyze flight data to spot environmental limits being exceeded and propose corrective measures.
• Create architectures for flight safety avionics used on launch vehicles and ground test setups.
• Work with regulatory bodies and contribute to certification-related activities.
• Support junior engineers and help improve team processes and ways of working.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring a solid electronics background, practical systems experience, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience, plus at least 2 years in a technical role.
• Experience contributing to electronics hardware development across several phases, including design, testing, and qualification.
• Ability to produce technical documentation for outside audiences, such as test plans, verification reports, certification material, or regulatory submissions.
• Experience managing requirements for a system or subsystem, including change tracking, verification, and traceability.
• Background working across functions with hardware, software, or manufacturing teams to deliver a product.
• Working knowledge of hardware and software fundamentals, including schematic interpretation, basic sensor/instrumentation understanding, and simple test-script coding.
• Experience with environmental testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC, EMI/EMC, or accelerated-life testing.

Preferred Experience

These capabilities are considered an advantage, but they are not mandatory.

• Exposure to avionics, RF, medical, or other safety-critical systems.
• Understanding of electronics failure mechanisms and troubleshooting methods.
• Hands-on use of lab test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, DAQ systems, and multimeters.
• Experience with requirements tools like Jama or DOORS.
• Involvement in certification or regulatory work, including compliance documentation and review support.
• Participation in launch campaigns, flight tests, or mission operations.
• Use of Python or MATLAB for analysis or test automation.
• Experience with flight safety systems, flight termination systems, or autonomous flight safety systems.
• Familiarity with Range Safety standards such as RCC-319 or RCC-324.
• Experience supporting launch range safety certification efforts, including safety data packages, Flight Safety Reviews, or communication with regulators.

Training and Level

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive on-the-job training. Candidates who are motivated by mission-critical electronics but do not yet have aerospace or flight safety experience are still encouraged to apply. The position is offered at multiple levels depending on experience.

Working Style and Expectations

The company looks for people who thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and enjoy solving difficult problems as a team. Success in this environment depends on determination, practical execution, and a willingness to contribute across tasks large and small. A collaborative mindset, resilience, and strong ownership are highly valued.

Important Information for U.S. Offices

For roles based in U.S. offices, employment is subject to export control requirements under U.S. Government space technology regulations, including ITAR. Eligible employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or otherwise be able to obtain the required authorization from the relevant U.S. authorities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rocket Lab states that it provides equal employment opportunities and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic. This applies to hiring, compensation, promotion, training, leave, transfer, termination, and other conditions of employment.

Accommodation Support

Applicants in the United States who need a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process may contact the designated support resource. This contact is intended only for candidates whose disability prevents them from applying or interviewing normally, and responses may take up to two business days.

Important Information for New Zealand Offices

For New Zealand roles, background checks are completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality verification because access to certain equipment and data is restricted under U.S. ITAR rules. Candidates may be ineligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if they have ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.