Avionics Test Engineer I​/II

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.

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 global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Avionics Test Engineer I/II is responsible for the design, test, and integration of the electrical systems and electronics that form the backbone of our Space Systems missions. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Avionics Test Engineer I or Avionics Test Engineer II level)

• Develop test plans and programs in support of space flight hardware and systems development
• Manage and conduct Acceptance, Qualification and Proto‑Flight test programs
• Develop automated test hardware and test platforms in support of test programs
• Support the design and development of space flight hardware to increase the level of design for testability and manufacturability
• Support the analysis of COTS component test levels against mission environmental test requirements
• Contribute to the development of engineering and business processes, including engineering and test processes, as well as other business processes to support Rocket Lab growth and capability
• Contribute to the development of engineering best practice areas such as test, design for manufacture and engineering change

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• Programming experience in Python
• Experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering
• Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation
• US citizenship is required, due to program requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 2+ years of experience with electronics test engineering, spacecraft systems engineering, or hardware development
• Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation
• US citizenship is required, due to program requirements

• Master's or PhD in engineering (software,…