Principal Avionics Engineer - Neutron

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company dedicated to the development of rockets, spacecraft, and vital subsystems that enable global connectivity, security, and the extension of human presence to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We operate rapidly, produce tangible hardware for impactful missions, and routinely achieve challenging objectives. Join us to contribute to shaping the future of space exploration.

About the Role

We are building Neutron, a versatile, reusable medium-lift launch vehicle tailored for deploying constellations, interplanetary missions, and human spaceflight. The avionics systems for Neutron—including flight computers, power distribution units, sensors, communications devices, and their flexible wiring assemblies—are designed, manufactured, and tested internally at Rocket Lab.

As Principal Avionics Engineer, you will serve as the leading technical expert responsible for avionics hardware, including circuit design, PCB layout, and test strategies. This role involves hands-on technical leadership without direct managerial responsibilities; your impact comes from exceptional engineering judgment, innovative problem solving, and mentoring fellow engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and provide expert technical guidance on avionics hardware through hands-on work, testing bench setups, and design reviews.
• Manage the full life cycle of avionics components and system architectures—spanning requirements definition, research and development prototyping, qualification testing, and production release.
• Review and approve design changes, oversee board and circuitry assembly layouts, execute design analyses, and ensure validation of avionics hardware.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks relating to avionics and vehicle performance by evaluating likelihood and impact, making informed trade-offs.
• Conduct root cause investigations into anomalies or failures and implement durable corrective actions.
• Guide small engineering teams through complex technical challenges.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, influencing the avionics technology roadmap and development approach.
• Enhance engineering practices including research and development methods, design for manufacturability, change management processes, and scalable workflows.
• Mentor engineers at various experience levels, contribute to their performance assessments, and assist in workforce planning, recruiting, and onboarding efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• At least eight years of relevant industry experience in avionics or electronic hardware engineering.
• Strong expertise in at least two of the following domains: analog circuit design, high-speed digital electronics, or power electronics.
• Proficiency with electronics design software tools including circuit simulation and analytical programs.
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative technical mentorship and guidance at all professional levels.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, coupled with strong organizational and project planning capabilities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing hardware from conceptual stages through full production.
• Knowledge of space-grade environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) tests.
• Familiarity with formal systems engineering processes such as requirements management and compliance documentation.
• Experience formulating and presenting business cases for capital expenditures.
• History of defining technical direction and effectively conveying strategy to engineering teams.
• Proven success in leading cross-functional efforts by influence rather than formal authority.

Expectations

• Possess a strong ownership mindset capable of independently driving projects and tasks to completion.
• Excel in fast-paced, ambiguous environments where requirements and priorities evolve swiftly.
• Maintain a balance between rapid progress and maintaining appropriate technical rigor and quality standards.
• Willing to engage hands-on in any task necessary to support mission success, regardless of scale or perceived status.
• Tend to prioritize action and early hands-on building and testing of hardware to obtain rapid feedback.

Important Notes

For U.S.-based positions: Applicants must comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations (ITAR), requiring U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, or eligibility for government authorization.

For New Zealand-based roles: Background and nationality checks are required to ensure compliance with ITAR regulations. Candidates must hold eligible citizenship from specified countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU member states, or NATO members.

Rocket Lab is committed to equal opportunity employment and prohibits discrimination or harassment on any protected basis.