Junior Avionics Design Engineer – Space Hardware

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 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