Senior Avionics Test Engineer - RF

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.

Rocket Lab's Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.

Based out of Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Sr. RF Test Engineer is responsible for the design, test, and integration of RF Components and Assemblies used across all programs. You will support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager for Avionics and Space Systems as well as the Production and Design organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

• Contribute to design reviews acting as an expert in design for test, productivity, supplier capability assessments, quality control, etc.
• Design and troubleshoot RF (S-Band, X, C bands) test setups and associated support equipment for production operations
• Develop automated test hardware and test platforms in support of test programs with the intent of delivering to production
• Manage, conduct and train production team members on Acceptance, Qualification and Proto-Flight test programs
• Define and implement Factory layouts, Equipment selection, FAT, SAT, and production commissioning
• Capital and facilities justification, project management and implementation
• Lead problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations

• Bachelors degree in electrical, aerospace, manufacturing or similar engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering
• Python programming experience
• Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation
• Extensive experience using fundamentals of electronic circuits, RF design principles, and manufacturing techniques to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment

• Advanced engineering degree (Preferably Electrical or Aerospace)
• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and vacuum
• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors
• Experience with LabVIEW, Python, and/or National Instruments hardware
• Experience with designing, implementing, and supporting a production line and/or build area
• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment
• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
• Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100%…