Junior Avionics Engineer: Build Flight-Ready Space Tech

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland seeks an Electronics Engineer to design flight-quality PCBAs for spacecraft avionics. You will perform schematic capture, component selection, and power electronics design, collaborating with PCB layout teams to ensure robust hardware across space missions.

You will conduct worst-case analyses, power budgeting, and signal integrity checks, while bringing up prototype hardware and supporting environmental tests, with strong documentation and cross-functional communication.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Schematic capture

PCB layout

Power electronics

Signal integrity

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics, or related field

Tools

Altium Designer

LTspice

SPICE

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland seeks an Electronics Engineer to design flight-quality PCBAs for spacecraft avionics. You will perform schematic capture, component selection, and power electronics design, collaborating with PCB layout teams to ensure robust hardware across space missions.

You will conduct worst-case analyses, power budgeting, and signal integrity checks, while bringing up prototype hardware and supporting environmental tests, with strong documentation and cross-functional communication.