Senior Avionics Engineer I - Mission Formulation

Rocket Lab; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 124,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Littleton, CO seeks a Senior Avionics Engineer I – Mission Formulation to drive high‑performance launch vehicle avionics concepts from concept to production. You will collaborate with Business Development and external customers on mission requirements, while shaping avionics architectures for Electron and Neutron vehicles.

The role offers opportunities to develop end‑to‑end hardware, work across disciplines, and support confidential missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace engineering or other technical discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience.
• Experience delivering avionics or electrical system designs for launch vehicles.
• Active DoD U.S. Government Secret security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Primary avionics design engineering contact to Business Development for proposal and mission concepts.
• Electron and Neutron mission concept development and electrical/RF design for payloads.
• Designing and documenting electrical schematics, harnesses, and kits, including custom vehicle electrical schematics and pinouts for payload interfaces.
• Working with external stakeholders and customers for mission-specific requirements engineering.
• Documenting the proposed avionics design solution and participating in design reviews with the customer.
• Develop tools and processes for automating common proposal analysis tasks.
• Participate in program execution of Electron and Neutron system commissioning and calibration.

Skills

Bachelors in engineering

5+ years experience

Avionics design experience

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or aerospace engineering

Job description

Littleton, CO

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.

SENIOR AVIONICS ENGINEER I - MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO the Senior Avionics Engineer I – Mission Formulation is responsible for developing high-performance launch vehicle systems in support of the Launch Systems Business Development and Strategy team.

The Senior Avionics Engineer I - Mission Formulation is an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life. This team is also responsible for the formulation and implementation of classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles and play a key role in developing future missions for Electron and Neutron. Given the high launch cadence of Electron and pace of Neutron development, you will have unparalleled opportunities for end-to-end hardware development and seeing your designs reach space.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Primary Avionics Design engineering contact to Business Development for proposal and mission concepts, including:
  • Electron and Neutron mission operational concept development
  • Electrical and RF design and analysis for unique payload accommodations including processing, vehicle integration, and launch site
  • Designing and documenting electrical schematics, harnesses, and kits, including custom vehicle electrical schematics, and providing detailed pinouts for all electrical interfaces to payloads or deployers.
  • Working with external stakeholders and customers for mission-specific requirements engineering
  • Documenting the proposed avionics design solution and participating in design reviews with the customer
• Work with the Rocket Lab Engineering and Production teams to:
  • Develop tools and processes for automating common proposal analysis tasks
  • Participate in program execution of Electron and Neutron system commissioning and calibration

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace engineering or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of working experience in engineering
• Experience developing full design solutions for significant avionics or electrical systems in orbital launch vehicle or missile systems
• Active DoD US Government Secret security clearance or, ability to obtain and maintain one

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Hands-on development and testing experience: FPGA, ARM processors, etc.
• Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
• Master’s or PhD in electrical engineering or aerospace engineering
• Experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
• Creative, analytical, good at problem solving
• Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to meet higher level tasks
• Clear communication skills and calm under pressure

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. 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, and can 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 (CO Only)

$124,000 - $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.

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 .