Avionics Systems Engineer II – Electron Flight Safety Systems

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Own the systems engineering lifecycle for Electron’s Flight Safety System (FSS) and Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS), from concept through launch operations.
• Define, manage, and verify system requirements while leading design trades, prototyping, integration, and certification activities.
• Plan and execute component- and system-level testing, including qualification, risk analysis, root-cause investigations, and verification campaigns.
• Collaborate across hardware, software, avionics, and operations teams to deliver safe, reliable, and flight-ready systems.
• Drive technical execution, documentation, process improvements, and mentorship in a fast-paced launch environment.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent professional experience, plus 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong systems engineering fundamentals, including requirements management, verification, testing, and technical documentation.
• Experience solving complex engineering problems using sound technical judgment and risk-based decision making.
• Familiarity with avionics hardware, instrumentation, embedded systems, and software concepts including Python or C++.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, planning, and ownership skills in cross-functional engineering environments.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with aerospace avionics, flight safety systems, flight termination systems, or launch vehicle development.
• Familiarity with systems engineering standards, requirements management tools such as Jama, and certification documentation.
• Experience with hardware development and environmental testing including vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC testing.
• Knowledge of launch safety certification standards such as RCC-319 and RCC-324 and experience supporting regulatory compliance activities.
• Experience mentoring engineers, improving engineering processes, or supporting launch and mission operations.

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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, click here ITAR Regulations.