About the Job
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...
Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to ...
Rocket Lab is looking for an Avionics Systems Engineer to develop flight safety systems (FSS) for the Electron launch vehicle. In this hands-on role, you'll apply systems engineering across the FSS and Flight Termination System (FTS) development lifecycle—managing requirements, developing electrical hardware, drivin...
Key Responsibilities
Execute hands-on systems engineering across the full development cycle: requirements management, design prototyping, system integration, and verification through qualification
Work directly with hardware, software, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready electronic systems
Plan and execute component and system-level testing campaigns, failure investigations, and design improvements
Review flight data to identify environmental exceedances and develop mitigation solutions
Develop system architectures for flight safety avionics on launch vehicles and ground test platforms
Interface with regulatory agencies to support certification activities
Mentor engineers and drive process improvements across the team
Required Skills & Abilities
Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent experience) with 2+ years in technical roles
Led or contributed to electronics hardware development through multiple lifecycle phases (design, test, and qualification)
Written technical documentation for external audiences (test plans, verification reports, certification packages, or regulatory submissions)
Managed requirements for a system or subsystem (tracking changes, performing verification, and maintaining traceability)
Worked across disciplines with hardware engineers, software teams, or manufacturing to deliver a product
Comfortable with hardware and software fundamentals (reading schematics, understanding sensor/instrumentation basics, and preparing basic test script code)
Experience with environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC, EMI/EMC or accelerated life
Experience with avionics systems, RF, medical, or safety-critical applications
Familiar with electronics failure modes and electronics troubleshooting techniques
Hands-on experience with electronics test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, DAQ systems, multimeters)
Used requirements management tools (Jama or DOORS)
Supported certification or regulatory activities (interfaced with agencies, prepared compliance documentation, or participated in reviews)
Contributed to a launch campaign, flight test, or mission operations
Experience with Python or MATLAB for data analysis or test automation
Worked with flight safety systems, flight termination systems, or autonomous flight safety systems
Familiar with Range Safety standards including RCC-319 or RCC-324
Supported launch range safety certification processes such as preparing safety data packages, participating in Flight Safety Reviews, or interfacing with regulatory bodies
Rocket Lab offers comprehensive on-the-job training. If you're interested in mission-critical electronic systems but don't have aerospace or flight safety experience, we still want to hear from you. This position is available at multiple levels commensurate with experience.
