Senior Avionics Test and Launch Engineer

rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee stock purchase program

Top-tier medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

Flexible spending accounts

Parental leave

Disability and life insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company 
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Job summary

Rocket Lab, a leading end-to-end space company, seeks a Senior Avionics Test and Launch Engineer to develop, integrate, and test avionics and electrical systems for Electron and Neutron vehicles. You will oversee checkout, lead testing projects, and mentor teammates in a fast-paced, mission-ready environment.

The role requires a Bachelor Degree in Engineering and 5+ years in engineering design, test, or operations, with experience in electrical/software engineering and networking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering is required.
• 5+ years of engineering design, test and/or operations experience.
• Experience in electrical/software engineering is preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Java

Python

HTML

XML

TCP/IP

Networking

Education

Bachelor Degree in Engineering

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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium-lift launch 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 solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven history with Electron - the third most launched rocket, worldwide, in 2024. If you're interested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, this is your opportunity.

SENIOR AVIONICS TEST AND LAUNCH ENGINEER SENIOR

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 I:

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (preferably Aerospace, mechanical, electrical or mechatronic engineering)
• 5+ 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. 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, 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. 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)

$115,000 - $164,000 USD

Base Salary

$100,000 - $125,000 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