Avionics Test Engineer I​/II

About The Role

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Our Space Systems team builds spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars.

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.

(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
• 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, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Understanding of how the various satellite subsystems function and interact with the whole vehicle
• Programming experience in Python
• Understanding of designing hardware from concept through production
• Experience in environmental design testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC
• Experience working in a hardware or spacecraft production environment

• 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

$68,000—$104,000 USD

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.

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…