Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer II

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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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.

We’re currently seekinga
Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer II for our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This team is responsible for automating and improving the testing efficiency of both the individual avionics and the completed satellites.

• Architect and lead the deployment and utilization of our internal test automation platform for future spacecraft programs
• Own test automation for Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team test campaigns across the entire program life cycle
• Develop, review, and maintain automated test processes for spacecraft hardware and software validation, establishing best practices and coding standards
• Integrate and automate test equipment and spacecraft interfaces into the test platform, making architectural decisions on telemetry, command, and data management
• Contribute to core platform development, including backend services and test framework capabilities
• 8+ years of experience in space systems, ideally with spacecraft test, systems, or spacecraft software background
• 8+ years of professional programming experience with Python or similar languages in distributed application contexts
• Strong Linux systems knowledge and command-line proficiency
• Experience mentoring and technical leadership other engineers
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a top secret clearance

• An existing secret or top secret clearance
• Production experience with Python backend development
• Hands-on experience with Robot Framework or similar test automation frameworks
• Experience with software deployment and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with networking, IT infrastructure, and systems administration
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing infrastructure
• Experience with spacecraft communication protocols and bus interfaces

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$157,300 — $228,875 USD

$124,800 — $171,600 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…