Avionics Development Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

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 extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Join us as an Avionics Development Engineer, where you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of missions that push the boundaries of space exploration.

This is your chance to work hands‑on with state‑of‑the‑art avionics systems, including flight computers, RF systems, high‑voltage components, and guidance systems. Your work will directly impact our ability to deliver payloads into orbit on time, every time.

What You’ll Be Doing :

• Develop and execute test campaigns for avionics components like computing modules, RF systems, flight termination hardware, and high‑voltage systems.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define and document test requirements based on system functionality.
• Lead R&D test campaigns from concept to final delivery, ensuring quality and reliability at every step.
• Troubleshoot hardware during component bring‑up, integration, and operations, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to resolve issues.
• Investigate root‑cause failures for avionics and battery hardware, applying first‑principles analysis to electronic and high‑voltage systems and performing sound risk analysis.
• Design, improve and maintain hardware electrical schematics.
• Support the lifecycle management of PCBAs and BOMs.
• Partner with production technicians and manufacturing engineers to diagnose and resolve issues, ensuring seamless production processes.

Essential Skills :

Desirable Skills :

Why You Should Join Us :

What We Value :

Ready to Launch Your Career?

This is your chance to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of space exploration. If you’re excited by the idea of working with cutting‑edge technology and ensuring mission success, we want to hear from you!

Join us in pushing the boundaries of innovation and engineering excellence – and take your career to new heights - Apply Now!

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.

Important information :

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY :

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. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and / or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application / interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply / interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY :

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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