Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

Life at Rocket Lab

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

About the role

The Neutron Avionics Hardware Team covers the Electronics engineering discipline, and is responsible for the design, test, and integration of electronics components that form the backbone of the Neutron launch vehicle, as well as ground support and test equipment.

The Team Lead for Neutron Avionics Test is the subject matter expert and Technical Lead for avionics testing and automation, and Team Lead for the Neutron Avionics Test Team. This role is comparable to an electrical product development role in other high-reliability industries. This role will have overall responsibility for the testing, qualification, and technical architecture of automated testing systems for Rocket Lab’s avionics components, in conjunction with team management, planning, and personnel management of direct reports.

Avionics components being qualified for spaceflight include but are not limited to flight computers, power electronic systems, high-voltage components, RF systems, and components used in guidance, navigation, and control.

Our fundamental goal is to ensure our payloads reach orbit on time, every time. Your role leading the Avionics Test Team is critical to this mission, and the main line of defense to ensure the quality and reliability in a fast-paced production environment.

Essential Skills

High proficiency in multiple areas of electronic testing, including analog, high-speed digital, and power electronics.
High proficiency in working to standards that cover environmental testing such as vibration, shock, thermal, burn-in, EMI/EMC and TVAC.
Familiarity with relevant test standards such as SMC-S-016, SMC-S-018, DO160, MIL-STD-461 etc.
Extensive understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors.
Programming experience in Python, LabView, or C/C++.
Good understanding of software development processes.
Understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing techniques to analyze and improve test coverage.
Experience developing automated in-circuit test platforms such as Bed-of-Nails and their use in a Production environment.
High proficiency with high accuracy calibration techniques and limitations.
Strong troubleshooting skills and an aptitude for technical guidance and mentoring of junior engineers.
Demonstrated engineering judgement, looking at all available options to solve a problem.
Demonstrated experience working within the aerospace industry with understanding of Avionics Systems and Component development cycles.

Rocket Lab Employee Benefits

The opportunity to work on innovative and groundbreaking technology.
An employee stock purchase program
Access to world leading experts to develop your career
Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
Additional parental leave entitlements
A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

If the above sounds like you

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations fromthe U.S Department of State.

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.

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.