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.

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 seekingan Avionics Automation Test Engineer II forour 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.

• Lead the deployment and utilization of our internal test automation platform for future spacecraft programs
• Provide critical support to the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team as they execute spacecraft test campaigns using our software
• Collaborate with other users of our software such as systems, flight software, ground software, and operations, adding features and managing deployments to meet their diverse needs
• Investigate, resolve, and bury forever bugs and issues that other teams encounter
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 2+ years of experience in space, ideally with a spacecraft test, systems, or spacecraft software background
• 2+ years of experience with programming in the context of distributed applications
• Experience with Linux
• Ability to obtain a Top-Secret clearance

• Secret or Top-Secret clearance
• Experience with software deployment tools such as Docker or Kubernetes
• Experience with networking and IT
• Experience with software unit testing, such as pytest or robot framework

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)

$93,275 — $121,625 USD

$83,200 — $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.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S.…