Avionics Systems Engineer Ii - Neutron Flight Safety Systems

OverviewAuckland, NZRocket 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.Rocket Lab's Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life.

From designing and testing Neutron's structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron's launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.RoleAVIONICS SYSTEMS ENGINEER II – NEUTRON FLIGHT SAFETY SYSTEMSAs an Avionics Systems Engineer II – Neutron Flight Safety Systems, you'll work across avionics hardware, software, and testing.

This dynamic role demands expertise in interface management, project planning, documentation, and hands-on hardware, along with strong collaboration skills.

Be part of a flagship program driving innovation through development, production, and operations.

Join a driven team that's tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

What you'll get to doDrive requirements specification, cross-disciplinary interface management, engineering trades, and prototyping activities for the Neutron FSS / FTS across development, critical design, and future iterations.Collaborate with design engineers and external stakeholders to define and document test requirements, while resolving competing priorities to optimize schedules and system functionality.Conduct risk analysis, FMECA, root-cause analysis of test anomalies, and review system-level test data from integrated testing, stage testing, and launches, while developing automation tools for data analysis.Translate stakeholder expectations into measurable technical requirements, collaborate with assurance functions to align with certification standards, and tailor safety strategies to meet regulatory requirements.Analyze technical problems, define constraints, performance requirements, and Measures of Performance to assess progress and guide design solutions.Plan and manage technical efforts, including product roadmaps, deliverables, reporting requirements, and critical technical events, ensuring alignment with project objectives.Maintain strong communication with regulatory authorities (FAA, NASA), review launch safety standards (e.g., RCC-319, RCC-324), and contribute to certification strategies and program timelines.QualificationsYOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS : Bachelor's degree in an applicable engineering field or equivalent professional experience.3+ years relevant industry experience.THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE : Demonstrated good engineering judgement, looking at all available options to solve a problem.Understanding of common Systems Engineering practices, handbooks, and standards.Experience with requirements management tools such as Jama.Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors.

Understanding of designing hardware from concept through production.Understanding of software systems and programming languages including C++, Python, and embedded devices.Understanding of environmental design testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC.Demonstrated experience interpreting and documenting compliance with engineering standards.Experience with safety and certification activities.On-the-job contact with RCC-319 and RCC-324 standards.What to expectWe'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.For candidates seeking to work in US offices onlyTo 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, 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 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 onlyFor 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, you may click here ITAR Regulations.

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