Avionics Test Engineer I

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Stock option awards

Comprehensive health plans

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking an Avionics Test Engineer I based in Long Beach, CA. This role focuses on designing, testing, and integrating electrical systems that form the backbone of our Space Systems missions.

You will develop test plans, conduct Proto-Flight tests, and help advance testability and manufacturability of space flight hardware, collaborating with a world-class team on ambitious missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
• Experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering.
• Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans and programs in support of space flight hardware and systems development.
• Manage and conduct Acceptance, Qualification and Proto-Flight test programs.
• Develop automated test hardware and test platforms in support of test programs.
• Support the design and development of space flight hardware to increase design-for-testability and manufacturability.
• Support the analysis of COTS component test levels against mission environmental test requirements.
• Contribute to the development of engineering and business processes to support Rocket Lab growth.
• Contribute to development of engineering best practices in test and design for manufacture.

Skills

Hardware development

Electronics test engineering

Python

Data acquisition systems

Electrical test equipment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s or PhD in engineering

Tools

Test equipment

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

AVIONICS TEST ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Avionics Test Engineer I is responsible for the design, test, and integration of the electrical systems and electronics that form the backbone of our Space Systems missions. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop test plans and programs in support of space flight hardware and systems development
• Manage and conduct Acceptance, Qualification and Proto-Flight test programs
• Develop automated test hardware and test platforms in support of test programs
• Support the design and development of space flight hardware to increase the level of design for testability and manufacturability
• Support the analysis of COTS component test levels against mission environmental test requirements
• Contribute to the development of engineering and business processes, including engineering and test processes, as well as other business processes to support Rocket Lab growth and capability
• Contribute to the development of engineering best practice areas such as test, design for manufacture and engineering change
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• Experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering
• Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation
• US citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Understanding of how the various satellite subsystems function and interact with the whole vehicle
• Programming experience in Python
• Understanding of designing hardware from concept through production
• Experience in environmental design testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC
• Experience working in a hardware or spacecraft production environment

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.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$68,000 - $93,500 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.

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