Senior Instrumentation & Controls Test Engineer

Rocket Lab; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Test Engineer to lead the design and improvement of test infrastructure for propulsion and spacecraft hardware. This role includes mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across teams to ensure test control systems align with mission goals, all while ensuring safety and performance excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in instrumentation and control systems.
• Deep knowledge of real-time control systems including implementation of state machines.
• Strong understanding of data acquisition systems and PLCs.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement robust, real-time state machines to automate test stand operations.
• Design, deploy, and maintain instrumentation systems for various measurements.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with multiple engineering teams.

Skills

Real-time control systems

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration

Automation

Mentoring

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Controls

Mechatronics

Tools

PLC configuration

Data acquisition systems

Bash

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry’s leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.

The Team

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The Opportunity

As a Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Test Engineer, you’ll lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our test infrastructure - spanning real-time state machines, instrumentation networks, and control logic for complex test systems. Your work will directly influence the safety, repeatability, and performance of propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft hardware testing.

You will serve as a technical lead across multiple projects, mentor junior engineers, and be trusted to architect scalable control solutions that support rapid iteration and flight readiness.

How You'll Fulfill Your Mission

• Architect and implement robust, real-time state machines to automate test stand operations, including complex sequencing, fault detection, and recovery logic.
• Design, deploy, and maintain instrumentation systems for pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, and electrical measurements across engine and subsystem testbeds.
• Develop scalable control software and hardware solutions to support current and future test infrastructure.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with software, mechanical, avionics, and propulsion teams to align test control systems with system requirements and mission goals.
• Drive standardization and continuous improvement in I&C test practices across the team.
• Own commissioning of new test stands, including PLC configuration, sensor integration, and safety interlocks.
• Analyze complex test data and use system-level insight to drive failure investigations and performance improvements.

Why We Value You

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in instrumentation and control systems for test or automation
• Deep knowledge of real-time control systems, including implementation of state machines in Python, LabVIEW, C/C++, or equivalent
• Strong understanding of data acquisition systems (e.g., NI, Keysight), PLCs, and industrial communication protocols
• Experience designing and operating test stands for propulsion, aerospace, or other high-risk systems
• Comfortable working with hazardous fluids, high voltages, and safety-critical hardware
• Proven ability to lead cross-disciplinary engineering efforts and mentor early-career engineers
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a bias for action in fast-moving environments
• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Mechatronics, or related field

Desired Multipliers

• Experience with test automation frameworks and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups
• Familiarity with model-based design tools (e.g., Simulink, Stateflow)
• Working knowledge of CAN, EtherCAT, or Modbus communication protocols
• Background in flight hardware testing or space systems
• Experience deploying telemetry and real-time data visualization systems
• Exposure to system safety analysis methods (FMEA, HAZOP)
• Proficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git) and scripting for automation (e.g., Bash, PowerShell)
• Knowledge of calibration standards and traceability in a regulated environment

The pay range for this role is: $130,000 - $165,000 per year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.