Junior Avionics Design Engineer — Spaceflight Systems

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in New Zealand is seeking a talented avionics engineer to own mission‑critical components from concept through production readiness for the Neutron program. You will design, prototype, test, and bring up digital, power, and analog circuits in harsh aerospace environments.

Join a cross‑functional team and develop automation scripts in Python and C/C++ while supporting documentation, testing, and supplier collaboration. Travel as needed within NZ and internationally.

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.
• Hands‑on proficiency with lab test equipment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ownership mentality with the ability to drive tasks and projects to completion independently.
• 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 test digital, power, and analog sensing circuits for harsh aerospace environments.
• Develop and execute test campaigns for avionics components, including computing modules and high‑voltage systems, ensuring all requirements are fully met.
• Create automation software in 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‑functionally with teams across the company to achieve ambitious program goals.
• Review and approve engineering changes, schematics, PCB designs, test documentation, and other technical documents.
• Develop documentation for test procedures, maintenance, and calibration of new systems while providing training and ongoing support.

Skills

Electrical engineering

1+ years electronics hardware

Instrumentation & sensors

Lab test equipment

Communication skills

Ownership mentality

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Python

C/C++

Job description

Rocket Lab in New Zealand is seeking a talented avionics engineer to own mission‑critical components from concept through production readiness for the Neutron program. You will design, prototype, test, and bring up digital, power, and analog circuits in harsh aerospace environments.

Join a cross‑functional team and develop automation scripts in Python and C/C++ while supporting documentation, testing, and supplier collaboration. Travel as needed within NZ and internationally.