engineer

Senior Avionics Engineer – Neutron Flight Safety Systems

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Neutron is Rocket Lab’s new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently under development. The Neutron Avionics department is responsible for the delivery of all avionics systems across the vehicle, including integrated avionics hardware, flight software, and Neutron’s Flight Safety System (FSS).

The Neutron FSS team is responsible for high-level FSS design, component qualification, acceptance testing, and certification activities for the Neutron rocket. A core part of the Neutron FSS is the Autonomous Flight Termination System, which uses avionics hardware designed and produced in-house. This team is small, agile, and possesses a winning combination of sharp technical knowledge, flawless attention to detail, and effective stakeholder communications.

Senior Avionics Engineer – Neutron Flight Safety Systems is a hands-on role with responsibility for various design, testing and certification activities including test rig specification and deployment, detailed test planning, test execution, preparation of certification documentation, and liaising with key external parties. In this role you will be on the front line of one of Rocket Lab’s most important and exciting programs, spanning all phases through development, production, and operations. As a Senior Engineer, you will also be a technical leader, able to guide and mentor other engineers while shaping the success of the entire team.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering field or equivalent professional experience.
  • 5+ years relevant industry experience.
  • Proficient in programming languages (e.g. C, C++ or Python).
  • Excellent communication, both written and verbal.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Demonstrated good engineering judgement, looking at all available options to solve a problem.
  • Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems.
  • Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors.
  • Understanding of designing hardware from concept through production.
  • Understanding of environmental design testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC.
  • Experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering.
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting and documenting compliance with engineering standards.
  • On-the-job contact with RCC-319 and RCC-324 standards.

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 Biow 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.

 

Job Overview

  • Date Posted:
  • Job Title: Senior Avionics Engineer – Neutron Flight Safety Systems