Avionics Design Engineer I - Neutron

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking an avionics hardware engineer to own mission-critical components from concept to production readiness for the Neutron launch vehicle. You will develop digital, power, and analog sensing circuits, build test campaigns, and create automation software in Python and C++.

This role requires collaboration across teams and travel as needed. The position emphasizes ownership, rigorous analysis (FMECA, derating, root cause), and cross-functional delivery in a fast-paced aerospace

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 1+ years of experience with electronics hardware development from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors, including power supplies, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors.
• Hands-on proficiency with lab test equipment, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, electronic loads, DMMs, function generators, and process calibrators.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ownership mentalitywith the ability to drive tasks and projects to completion independently.
• Problem-solving mindsetwith the ability to identify challenges and develop solutions that improve cost, quality, reliability, and delivery.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead avionics components and subsystems, serving as the first point of contact in your area of responsibility
• Execute full lifecycle development of electronic components - from requirements gathering and prototyping through debugging, schematic capture, PCB layout, board bring-up, mechanical integration, testing, and production implementation
• Design and testdigital, power, and analog sensing circuits for harsh aerospace environments
• Develop and execute test campaignsfor avionics components, including computing modules and high-voltage systems, ensuring all requirements are fully met
• Create automation softwarein Python and C/C++ to interact with units-under-test, automated test equipment, and production ERP systems
• Conduct critical analyses, including FMECA, derating, root-cause analysis for component failures, and risk assessments with mitigation strategies
• Collaborate cross-functionallywith teams across the company to achieve ambitious program goals
• Review and approveengineering changes, schematics, PCB designs, test documentation, and other technical documents
• Develop documentationfor test procedures, maintenance, and calibration of new systems while providing training and ongoing support

Skills

Electronics hardware

Lab test equipment

Python

C/C++

Schematic capture

Problem solving

Communication skills

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

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.

Join the Neutron Avionics Hardware team and play a crucial role in developing the next generation of launch vehicle technology. We're looking for a talented engineer to take ownership of mission-critical avionics components from initial concept through production readiness for the Neutron launch vehicle.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Own and leadavionics components and subsystems, serving as the first point of contact in your area of responsibility
• Execute full lifecycle development of electronic components - from requirements gathering and prototyping through debugging, schematic capture, PCB layout, board bring-up, mechanical integration, testing, and production implementation
• Design and testdigital, power, and analog sensing circuits for harsh aerospace environments
• Develop and execute test campaignsfor avionics components, including computing modules and high-voltage systems, ensuring all requirements are fully met
• Create automation softwarein Python and C/C++ to interact with units-under-test, automated test equipment, and production ERP systems
• Conduct critical analyses, including FMECA, derating, root-cause analysis for component failures, and risk assessments with mitigation strategies
• Collaborate cross-functionallywith teams across the company to achieve ambitious program goals
• Review and approveengineering changes, schematics, PCB designs, test documentation, and other technical documents
• Develop documentationfor test procedures, maintenance, and calibration of new systems while providing training and ongoing support

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degreein Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 1+ years of experiencewith electronics hardware development from concept through production
• Strong understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors, including power supplies, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors
• Hands-on proficiency with lab test equipment, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, electronic loads, DMMs, function generators, and process calibrators
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ownership mentalitywith the ability to drive tasks and projects to completion independently
• Problem-solving mindsetwith the ability to identify challenges and develop solutions that improve cost, quality, reliability, and delivery
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal, EMI/EMC, and TVAC
• Proficiency inAltium Designer
• Programming experience withPython, C, and C++

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.

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 [e-mail]. 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.