Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer I

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Stock Purchase Program

Medical plans

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer I to automate spacecraft testing and improve efficiency across AV systems. The role centers on leading test automation across AIT campaigns and shaping platform architecture for telemetry, commands, and data management.

Candidates should have 5+ years in space systems, 4+ years of Python programming, strong Linux skills, and prior mentoring experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in space systems, ideally with spacecraft test, systems, or spacecraft software background.
• 4+ years of professional programming experience with Python or similar languages in distributed application contexts.
• Strong Linux systems knowledge and command-line proficiency.
• Experience mentoring or leading other engineers.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a top secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the deployment and utilization of our internal test automation platform for future spacecraft programs.
• Own test automation for Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team test campaigns across the entire program life cycle.
• Develop, review, and maintain automated test processes for spacecraft hardware and software validation, establishing best practices and coding standards.
• Integrate and automate test equipment and spacecraft interfaces into the test platform, making architectural decisions on telemetry, command, and data management.
• Contribute to core platform development, including backend services and test framework capabilities.

Skills

Space systems

Python

Linux

Mentoring

Bachelor's degree

Clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

RobotFramework

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About Rocket Lab

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.

Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer I

We’re currently seeking an Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer I for our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This team is responsible for automating and improving the testing efficiency of both the individual avionics and the completed satellites.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Architect and lead the deployment and utilization of our internal test automation platform for future spacecraft programs
• Own test automation for Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team test campaigns across the entire program life cycle
• Develop, review, and maintain automated test processes for spacecraft hardware and software validation, establishing best practices and coding standards
• Integrate and automate test equipment and spacecraft interfaces into the test platform, making architectural decisions on telemetry, command, and data management
• Contribute to core platform development, including backend services and test framework capabilities

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A SENIOR AVIONICS AUTOMATION TEST ENGINEER I

• 5+ years of experience in space systems, ideally with spacecraft test, systems, or spacecraft software background
• 4+ years of professional programming experience with Python or similar languages in distributed application contexts
• Strong Linux systems knowledge and command-line proficiency
• Experience mentoring or leading other engineers
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a top secret clearance

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• An existing secret or top secret clearance
• Production experience with Python backend development
• Hands-on experience with RobotFramework or similar test automation frameworks
• Experience with software deployment and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with networking, IT infrastructure, and systems administration
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing infrastructure
• Experience with spacecraft communication protocols and bus interfaces

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. 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.

Total Compensation (base and equity): $115,475 USD - $166,575 USD

Base Salary: $95,200 USD - $130,900 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.

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.