Avionics Engineer I - Design

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. 

 

 

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

 

ABOUT SPACE SYSTEMS AT ROCKET LAB:

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design and develop flight-quality PCBAs for spacecraft avionics systems, including schematic capture, component selection, circuit design for power electronics and control systems, and collaboration with PCB layout designers
• Conduct electrical analyses including worst-case analysis, power budgets, thermal derating, and signal integrity assessments to verify design robustness
• Participate in hands-on bring-up, debugging, and verification of prototype hardware, plus support environmental testing activities (Thermal Vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC)
• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation including schematics, bills of materials, test reports, and design justification documents
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Test, Manufacturing, Systems Engineering, and other subsystem groups to resolve interface issues and support integrated system development

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics, or related field with 1-3+ years of experience in electronics design or hardware development
• Strong foundation in electronics fundamentals: power electronics, analogue and digital circuit design, signal integrity, and grounding principles
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout using eCAD tools (Altium Designer preferred) and circuit simulation tools (LTspice, SPICE, or equivalent)
• Hands-on experience with standard laboratory instrumentation and ability to read datasheets, perform component-level analysis, and troubleshoot hardware issues
• Strong documentation skills and effective communication abilities to work within cross-functional engineering teams 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience designing power electronics (DC-DC converters, linear regulators, power distribution circuits) or motor drive electronics
• Familiarity with space-specific design considerations such as radiation effects, thermal management in vacuum, component derating, or aerospace qualification testing
• Experience performing detailed electrical analyses (Worst-Case Analysis, thermal analysis, power budgeting) and understanding of DFM/DFT principles
• Programming experience (Python, MATLAB) for data analysis/test automation or familiarity with FPGA development (Verilog/VHDL)
• Understanding of requirements management and configuration control processes in regulated or high-reliability environments

 

If the above sounds like you 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.