Senior Avionics Engineer I Mission Formulation

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.

SENIOR AVIONICS ENGINEER I - MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA 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 Labs 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 YOULL 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

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors 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
• Rapid conceptual design iteration experience
• Hands-on development and testing experience: FPGA ARM processors etc.
• Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
• Masters 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

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 worlds fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of addition to competitive base pay youll 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 (HMO PPO and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution) 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 and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging onsite fitness centers (where available) discounted gym memberships complimentary snacks and beverages 50% employee discount on our popular merch store and a variety of other employee discounts.

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)

$144275 - $190675 USD

Base Salary

$124000 - $155000 USD

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.

Required Experience:

Senior IC