Avionics System Engineer I

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 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 THE ROLE:

As an Avionics Systems Engineer I, you’ll play a critical role in designing, integrating, and verifying avionics and electrical systems for cutting-edge spacecraft projects. This is your chance to work on missions that are out of this world - literally.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Assist in designing electrical architectures and maintaining technical budgets (power, mass, data).

• Develop high-reliability electrical harnesses for flight and test environments.

• Build and maintain integrated test setups, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) systems.

• Define and execute subsystem and system-level test procedures to ensure mission success.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to resolve interface conflicts and develop integrated solutions.

• Support environmental testing (Thermal Vacuum, Vibration) and troubleshoot avionics systems in real-time.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

Essential:

•

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

• 0-2+ years of experience in hardware development or electronics testing (internships and student projects count!).

• Proficiency in electronics principles: power distribution, signal integrity, and grounding architectures.

• Familiarity with communication protocols (RS-422, CAN bus, SPI, Ethernet, I2C).

• Hands-on experience with instrumentation like oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and sensors.

• Programming/scripting skills (Python preferred) for test automation and data analysis.

Nice to Have:

•

• Experience designing and building flight-representative electrical harnesses.

• Knowledge of eCAD/mCAD software (Altium, Siemens NX, or similar).

• Understanding of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and real-time data acquisition

WHAT YOU'LL GET:

• Be part of missions that make history.

• Work in a fast-paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.

• Collaborate with a team of experts who are as passionate about space as you are.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

If you’re ready to launch your career and be part of something extraordinary, apply now! This is your chance to join a team that’s reshaping the future of space exploration.

APPLY TODAY!

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 [email protected] 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.