Avionics Engineer I - Design

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space company providing launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite components, and related technologies aimed at expanding space access. Our rockets and satellites support crucial global missions including scientific research, Earth monitoring, climate action, national security, and cutting-edge tech demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, having placed over 230 satellites in orbit. We are actively developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle aimed at deploying larger constellations. Rocket Lab’s Space Systems unit designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of satellites and satellite components, contributing to NASA missions on the Moon and Mars, as well as hardware used in the James Webb Space Telescope.

About Space Systems at Rocket Lab

The Space Systems team is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and assembling complete satellites and their subsystems including solar panels, software, reaction wheels, star trackers, separation mechanisms, and radios for commercial, governmental, and defense missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop flight-worthy printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) for spacecraft avionics, including schematic capture, component selection, and circuit design focused on power electronics and control systems
• Collaborate with PCB layout designers to translate designs into physical boards
• Perform electrical analyses such as worst-case scenario analysis, power budget assessments, thermal derating, and signal integrity verification to ensure design reliability
• Engage in hands-on prototype hardware assembly, debugging, testing, and support environmental qualification tests including Thermal Vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC
• Create and maintain detailed design documentation including schematics, bills of materials, test reports, and design rationales
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including Test, Manufacturing, Systems Engineering, and other subsystems to resolve integration issues and support system-level development

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics, or a related discipline
• 1 to 3+ years of experience in electronics design or hardware development
• Solid grounding in electronics fundamentals including power electronics, analog and digital circuit design, signal integrity, and grounding techniques
• Proficiency in eCAD tools (preferably Altium Designer) for schematic capture and PCB layout, and circuit simulators like LTspice or SPICE
• Experience using laboratory instruments, reading datasheets, conducting component-level analysis, and troubleshooting hardware
• Strong documentation capabilities and effective communication skills to collaborate within diverse engineering teams

Preferred Skills

• Background in designing power electronics such as DC-DC converters, linear regulators, and power distribution circuits or motor drive electronics
• Familiarity with space-grade design considerations like radiation effects, vacuum thermal management, component derating, and aerospace qualification testing
• Experience conducting detailed electrical analyses including Worst-Case Analysis, thermal analysis, power budgeting, and knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for testability (DFT)
• Programming knowledge in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and test automation; FPGA experience in Verilog or VHDL is a plus
• Understanding of requirements management and configuration control in regulated or high-reliability contexts

Additional Information

We seek individuals driven to push boundaries and meet demanding project deadlines through innovation, teamwork, and grit. Rocket Lab fosters a supportive environment valuing collaboration and operational excellence.

Important for U.S. applicants: Compliance with ITAR regulations requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or appropriate authorizations.

Important for New Zealand applicants: Mandatory pre-employment background and nationality checks will be conducted due to ITAR-restricted access requirements. Eligible citizens include Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, NATO countries, with restrictions on dual citizenship status.