Senior Avionics System Engineer - Electron Flight Safety Systems

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!

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 ...

Exercise core systems engineering - manage requirements for FSS hardware and software from design through flight, ensuring traceability and standards compliance
Develop requirements, verification and control methods for avionics hardware
Lead component qualification testing, environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC), and failure investigations
Oversee FTS test rigs and procedures used for end-to-end verification at launch sites, including hardware integration and test software
Support launch operations by investigating hardware faults, reviewing flight data, and implementing corrective actions
Develop processes and tools to automate pre and post flight data analysis, collaborating with Mission Analysis with vehicle simulations
Interface with NASA and FAA on certification activities, prepare compliance documentation, and respond to regulatory feedback
Drive process improvements in production (NCR handling), launch operations (approval workflows, operator training), and test infrastructure
Work with production teams to ensure RCC-319 requirements are correctly implemented and interpreted
Mentor junior engineers establish system engineering documentation practices that don't rely on institutional knowledge

 Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent experience)
2+ years developing electronic systems through design, test, and qualification phases
2+ years experience practicing systems engineering - managing requirements and verification activities for hardware or systems in a fast-paced environment
Hands-on hardware debugging skills and familiarity with test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters)
Strong written communication skills for technical documentation, test plans, and regulatory submissions
Comfortable working across disciplines with hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams
Experience with safety-critical or certified systems (avionics, medical devices, automotive safety)
Familiarity with Range Safety standards (RCC-319, RCC-324) or similar certification frameworks
Knowledge of flight termination systems, RF systems, or pyrotechnic devices
Experience with environmental testing standards and qualification processes
Programming skills in Python or MATLAB for test automation and data analysis
Requirements management tools (Jama, DOORS)
Supported launch campaigns, flight tests, or mission operations
Understanding of electronics failure modes and root cause analysis techniques

We're looking for practical engineers who can move between systems-level thinking and hands-on problem solving. Aerospace experience is not required. If you've developed electronic systems in other industries and want to work on mission-critical 
hardware, we want to hear from you!
 
 
WHAT TO EXPECT 
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.   

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO