Avionics Engineer I Design

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 humanitys 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.

While other companies talk about it we do it!

ABOUT SPACE SYSTEMS AT ROCKET LAB:

Rocket Labs Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels flight software reaction wheels and star trackers separation systems radios and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers technicians and designers who design create and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial government and defense sectors or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Design and develop flight-quality PCBAs for spacecraft avionics systems including schematic capture component selection circuit design for power electronics and control systems and collaboration with PCB layout designers
• Conduct electrical analyses including worst-case analysis power budgets thermal derating and signal integrity assessments to verify design robustness
• Participate in hands-on bring-up debugging and verification of prototype hardware plus support environmental testing activities (Thermal Vacuum vibration EMI/EMC)
• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation including schematics bills of materials test reports and design justification documents
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Test Manufacturing Systems Engineering and other subsystem groups to resolve interface issues and support integrated system development

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree or higher in Electrical Engineering Mechatronics Electronics or related field with 1-3 years of experience in electronics design or hardware development
• Strong foundation in electronics fundamentals: power electronics analogue and digital circuit design signal integrity and grounding principles
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout using eCAD tools (Altium Designer preferred) and circuit simulation tools (LTspice SPICE or equivalent)
• Hands-on experience with standard laboratory instrumentation and ability to read datasheets perform component-level analysis and troubleshoot hardware issues
• Strong documentation skills and effective communication abilities to work within cross-functional engineering teams

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience designing power electronics (DC-DC converters linear regulators power distribution circuits) or motor drive electronics
• Familiarity with space-specific design considerations such as radiation effects thermal management in vacuum component derating or aerospace qualification testing
• Experience performing detailed electrical analyses (Worst-Case Analysis thermal analysis power budgeting) and understanding of DFM/DFT principles
• Programming experience (Python MATLAB) for data analysis/test automation or familiarity with FPGA development (Verilog/VHDL)
• Understanding of requirements management and configuration control processes in regulated or high-reliability environments

If the above sounds like you apply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.