Electronics Manager – New Zealand

Lead a High-Impact Spaceplane Electronics Team

Dawn Aerospace is redefining what’s possible in aviation and space. Our Mk-II Aurora spaceplane has already broken the sound barrier and set records for rapid climb and high-altitude flight—and now we’re building the next generation.

We’re seeking a strategic, hands-on Electronics Manager to own the design, delivery, and growth of a critical engineering function for our cutting-edge spaceplanes. You’ll lead a highly skilled team, make decisive technical and architectural decisions, and shape the future of Dawn’s electronics systems. If you thrive in environments where your leadership, technical vision, and problem-solving directly impact flight hardware leaving the atmosphere, this is your opportunity.

What You’ll Own

Lead a high-impact team responsible for the full lifecycle of flight electronics—from concept, design, and prototyping, to manufacturing, integration, test and qualification.

Build and grow capability: recruit, mentor, and develop your team, setting the standards for technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Drive architecture and strategy: define electronics system architecture, ensure scalability for future vehicles, and influence the broader spaceplane roadmap.

Cross-functional leadership: work closely with propulsion, software, airframe, certification, operations and systems teams, translating mission-level goals into qualified electronics.

Ownership of delivery: manage schedules, resources, and technical risks to ensure high-quality, flight-ready hardware.

Champion a culture of engineering excellence: instil best practices, robust processes, and documentation standards as the team grows.

About You

You’re an accomplished engineer and leader who thrives at the intersection of people and technology. You enjoy making high-impact decisions, mentoring talent, and solving hard, real-world aerospace problems.

You bring:

BSc+ in Electrical, Computer, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent).

2+ years in a leadership role managing electronics or flight systems engineers.

Proven ability to lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Strong electronics fundamentals, systems thinking, and hands-on design skills.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. You can motivate, align, and influence your team and stakeholders.

Experience managing technical schedules, budgets, and product delivery.

Bonus points for:

PCB design experience (Altium, KiCad, Cadence, etc.).

Familiarity with high-reliability aerospace or automotive standards (DO-254, ECSS, NASA, etc.).

EMC and environmental testing experience.

Direct experience with flight hardware or flight test.

Why Dawn

At Dawn, you’re not just a manager—you’re shaping the future of aerospace. Leading a small, skilled team gives you broad ownership and impact: your decisions will influence architecture, engineering practices, and the success of vehicles that push the boundaries of aviation into space.

We’re a tight-knit, cross-functional team tackling one of aerospace’s hardest challenges: making spaceflight routine. If you want to lead, mentor, and innovate at the cutting edge, this is the role for you.

Even if you don’t tick every box, we’d love to hear from you.

Note: This role involves access to controlled technology. Appointment is conditional on passing security vetting and obtaining any required export-control authorisations.