Avionics Systems Engineer II – Electron Flight Safety Systems

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. 

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.  

• →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.

• 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.

• 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!