Senior Avionics Development Engineer - Electron

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!

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

As the Senior Avionics Development Engineer, you’ll be spearheading the design and rigorous testing of avionics components for the Electron launch vehicle. Your role demands a high level of expertise in electronic circuit design and PCB development, ensuring that all mission-critical and safety-critical systems adhere to stringent aviation standards. From pioneering cutting-edge test systems to delivering production-ready avionics, you'll be driving each project from concept to seamless implementation, including the development of software and custom electronics.

In addition to your technical responsibilities, you will play a crucial role in mentoring and guiding junior team members, providing feedback and ensuring best practices are followed. You will be the go-to expert not just for new avionics designs, but also for securing approval for innovations and new components.

Your expertise will not only influence the final architectural solutions but also play a pivotal role in supporting the company's growth trajectory by ensuring that robust, compliant, and innovative avionics systems are at the heart of every launch.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Drive the design and testing of avionics components for the Electron launch vehicle.
• Design and develop electronic circuits and PCBs that meet mission-critical and safety-critical standards.
• Develop and implement test systems and software for avionics projects.
• Secure design approvals for new avionics components and systems.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, assisting with project management and ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Adapt vehicle structure effectively in response to component changes, contributing to architectural solutions.
• Focus on ramping up production support, with a heavy emphasis on documentation.
• Ensure all designs and systems comply with IEEE standards, NASA, and FAI regulations, maintaining high standards in a highly regulated environment.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Over 5 years of experience in hardware development or electronics test engineering.
• Proven experience in designing hardware from concept through to production.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Proficiency in Altium favourable. 
• Strong understanding of electronic circuits, design principles, and SMT manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with environmental design testing, including vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC.
• Familiarity with interfaces and sensors, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, and instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create materials for distribution to external parties.
• Knowledge of NX, SolidWorks, or other 3D CAD systems.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced project environments.
• Programming experience in Python and/or C/C++.

Get involved in the innovation and make your stamp in Aerospace - 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 .

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 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