Senior Avionics Engineer at Rocketlab

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

12 Oct, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

14 Jul, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Engineering Management, Fluid Mechanics, Structural Design, Electrical Systems, Power Systems, Automation, Instrumentation, Control Systems, Software Development, Project Management, Test Operations, Launch Operations

Industry

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB 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 to 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. Rocket Lab is redefining what’s possible in space, and we’re looking for a visionary Manager - Ground Systems Engineering to lead the team responsible for the systems that make our missions possible. From test stands to launch pads, fluid systems to automation technologies, this role is at the heart of ensuring Electron and Photon reach orbit seamlessly. If you’re ready to take charge of cutting-edge engineering projects and inspire a team to achieve the unthinkable, this is your opportunity to make history. As the Manager - Ground Systems Engineering, you’ll lead a team of up to 15 engineers tasked with designing, building, testing, operating, and maintaining the systems that support Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles and spacecraft. You’ll oversee large-scale test stands, tooling, and launch pad systems, including vehicle-to-pad interfaces, fluid systems, structures, mechanisms, power systems, and instrumentation. This role is focused on delivering new technologies to automate and optimise test and launch operations while improving reliability across Rocket Lab’s NZ and US sites. You’ll be responsible for growing your team, driving innovation, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of all ground systems. YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic engineering (or equivalent) 5+ years of experience in engineering management 8+ years of experience in engineering design, testing, and/or operations Strong technical background in fluid mechanics, structural design and analysis, electrical and power systems, automation, instrumentation, control systems, and software development Proven ability to motivate and lead a team to deliver complex projects on schedule and within budget Develop and deliver new technologies for test and launch automation and optimisation THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience working at launch vehicle test or launch facilities Familiarity with FAA, NASA, RCC, and USAF compliance programs Ready to make history? If you're an engineering leader driven by innovation and bold challenges, join Rocket Lab. Help us push the boundaries of space and your career to new heights. 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 Johnson 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.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of engineers in designing, building, and maintaining ground systems, including test stands and launch pads. Focus on delivering new technologies to automate and optimize test and launch operations across global sites.