Avionics Design Engineer I

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space technology company focused on creating rockets, spacecraft, and essential subsystems that connect and protect the world, while advancing human exploration to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The company emphasizes rapid development of tangible hardware for impactful missions and transforming ambitious goals into routine achievements.

About the Role - Neutron Program

The Neutron team at Rocket Lab is dedicated to launching a new large rocket, Neutron, along with its launch and test facilities. Activities include structural and component design, engine testing, and establishing launch and test infrastructure across the United States. Joining this team offers a chance to contribute to the inaugural launch of Neutron.

As a member of the Neutron Avionics Hardware team, you will be instrumental in shaping mission-critical avionics elements from concept to production, working on cutting-edge launch vehicle technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ownership and management of avionics components and subsystems, acting as the primary contact in assigned areas.
• Drive the entire product lifecycle of electronic hardware: from gathering requirements and prototyping, through circuit debugging, schematic creation, PCB layout, board testing, mechanical integration, to formal testing and production rollout.
• Design and validate digital, power, and analog sensor circuits suited for demanding aerospace environments.
• Plan and perform comprehensive testing of avionics parts, including computing modules and high-voltage systems, ensuring complete compliance with specifications.
• Develop automation software using Python and C/C++ to facilitate testing interactions with units under test, automated testing apparatus, and integration with production ERP systems.
• Conduct thorough analyses such as Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), derating assessments, failure root cause investigations, and risk evaluations with strategies for mitigation.
• Collaborate extensively with internal teams across disciplines to meet challenging program objectives.
• Review and authorize engineering documents including design changes, schematics, PCB layouts, and test protocols.
• Create and manage detailed documentation concerning test procedures, system maintenance, calibration, and provide training and continuous support for new systems.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of one year experience in electronics hardware development, covering the complete journey from concept through to production.
• Solid expertise in instrumentation and sensor technologies, including power supplies, serial interfaces, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), and 4-20mA sensors.
• Proficiency in handling lab equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, electronic loads, digital multimeters, function generators, and calibration devices.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ownership mindset with capacity to independently drive projects to completion.
• Analytical problem-solving skills focused on enhancing cost efficiency, quality, reliability, and delivery.
• Willingness to travel domestically and abroad as project needs dictate.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with environmental testing protocols including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, EMI/EMC, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.
• Familiarity with Altium Designer for PCB design.
• Programming capabilities in Python, C, and C++.

Additional Details

The company prides itself on resilience under pressure, teamwork, and a results-driven approach, tackling seemingly impossible challenges. Rocket Lab offers equal opportunity employment, prohibiting discrimination or harassment on any protected basis. Reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities are available upon request during the application process.

Security and Legal Compliance Notice:
Applicants for U.S. positions must comply with U.S. export regulations like ITAR, requiring citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility to obtain appropriate government authorizations. For New Zealand office candidates, nationality and background checks will be conducted in alignment with ITAR regulations. Eligibility is limited to citizens of specified countries and those who meet regulatory nationality requirements.