Avionics Engineer I - Design

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 e...

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star tracker...

Design and develop flight-quality PCBAs for spacecraft avionics systems, including schematic capture, component selection, circuit design for power electronics and control systems, and collaboration with PCB layout designers
Conduct electrical analyses including worst-case analysis, power budgets, thermal derating, and signal integrity assessments to verify design robustness
Participate in hands-on bring-up, debugging, and verification of prototype hardware, plus support environmental testing activities (Thermal Vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC)
Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation including schematics, bills of materials, test reports, and design justification documents
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Test, Manufacturing, Systems Engineering, and other subsystem groups to resolve interface issues and support integrated system development

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics, or related field with 1-3+ years of experience in electronics design or hardware development
Strong foundation in electronics fundamentals: power electronics, analogue and digital circuit design, signal integrity, and grounding principles
Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout using eCAD tools (Altium Designer preferred) and circuit simulation tools (LTspice, SPICE, or equivalent)
Hands-on experience with standard laboratory instrumentation and ability to read datasheets, perform component-level analysis, and troubleshoot hardware issues
Strong documentation skills and effective communication abilities to work within cross-functional engineering teams 
Experience designing power electronics (DC-DC converters, linear regulators, power distribution circuits) or motor drive electronics
Familiarity with space-specific design considerations such as radiation effects, thermal management in vacuum, component derating, or aerospace qualification testing
Experience performing detailed electrical analyses (Worst-Case Analysis, thermal analysis, power budgeting) and understanding of DFM/DFT principles
Programming experience (Python, MATLAB) for data analysis/test automation or familiarity with FPGA development (Verilog/VHDL)
Understanding of requirements management and configuration control processes in regulated or high-reliability environments