Avionics Test and Launch Engineer II

Rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s avionics team seeks a Senior Engineer II to develop and test avionics for Electron and Neutron, leading checkout activities and coordinating testing projects. You will mentor colleagues and expand CONOPS/HMIs for ground- and vehicle-electrical systems.

The role requires a bachelor’s in engineering and 8+ years in electrical/software engineering, with hands-on experience in test environments and procedures. VA-based role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering with focus on avionics or related field.
• 8+ years in engineering design, test and/or operations (electrical/software).
• Experience leading testing projects and mentoring teammates.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and test avionics and electrical systems for Electron and Neutron.
• Oversee configuration and checkout of avionics systems.
• Lead and manage testing projects for avionics and electrical systems.
• Mentor and train other operators within Integrated Operations.
• Develop CONOPS and HMIs related to ground- and vehicle-electrical hardware.
• Author, review and execute operations procedures.

Skills

Avionics systems

Electrical engineering

Software engineering

Mentoring

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor Degree in Engineering

Tools

Java

Python

HTML/XML

Job description

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 to 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 rockethas 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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is amedium-liftlaunch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded end-to-end space company. The rocket can deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow, enable interplanetary payloads, and support human spaceflight. As a reusable platform, Neutron will deliver a very cost-effective and reliable launch solutionleveragingRocket Lab’s proven history with Electron – the third most launched rocket, worldwide, in 2024. Ifyou’reinterested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, this is your opportunity.

AVIONICS TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER II

This role is part of the Test and Launch Engineering team at Rocket Lab which is the division responsible for testing, launch, and mission operations of Electron and Neutron launch vehicle, starting with stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch operations, and on-orbit operations. Integrated Operations is also responsible for configuration, checkout, and operation of related facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop, integrate, and test avionics and electrical systems for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles
• Oversee the configuration and checkout of avionics systems
• Lead and manage testing projects for avionics and electrical systems
• Mentor and train other operators within the Integrated Operations team on avionics and electrical systems
• Develop Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) related to ground- and vehicle- electrical hardware
• Author, review and carry out operations procedures

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering(preferably Aerospace, mechanical,electricalor mechatronicengineering)
• 8+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations, in the focus of electrical/software engineering

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations
• Experience with Java, Python, or other object-oriented programming language
• Software development skills with solid understanding and experience working with web-based tools such as HTML and XML
• Good understanding of networking required with knowledge and experience in TCP/IP, UDP, multicast protocols, and packet switching and routing
• Knowledge of and/or experience with electrical systems

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role.You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, andcan purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (VA Only) : $115,000 — $155,000 USD

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 [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.