Senior Systems Test Engineer

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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

Based out of Rocket Lab’s office in Littleton, CO, the Senior System Test Engineer I is responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. You will support the Chief Space Systems Engineer and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

• Design, document, review and execute tests on spacecraft avionics
• Plan, write and execute test scripts that verify hardware/software interfaces and validate requirements
• Author and review test plans, hardware drawings, test summary and reports Design, specify and procure test fixtures and other hardware as needed
• Collaborate with flight software developers and Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineers to troubleshoot hardware and software anomalies
• Communicate plans and results with leadership, team and customers
• Travel to customer and vendor facilities to aid hardware delivery, checkout and commissioning

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience developing or testing electrical systems (avionics, automotive, spacecraft)
• Programming experience with Python or similar scripting languages
• Demonstrated knowledge of RLC circuit design and test equipment (DMMs, Oscilloscopes etc.)
• Ability to obtain a Security clearance and maintain one
• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

• Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering
• Experience testing spacecraft avionics according to customer and internally derived requirements
• Understanding of hardware design from concept to production
• Experience testing or working with radio frequency communication systems
• Familiarity with communication protocols (Ethernet, UART, LVDS, CAN, etc.)
• Active Secret or Top Secret Security clearance

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The…