Senior Integrated Avionics Engineer

at  Rocket Lab USA

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!

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or other technical discipline.
• 5+ years combined experience across: avionics, electromechanical design and test, energetic systems, interfacing with regulatory agencies.
• Experience performing environmental testing for development and qualification.
• Knowledge of electrical test systems, hardware, and environmental survivability.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Professional experience with Altium Designer, Capital/VeSys, or similar tools.
• Professional experience with NX, Ansys, or similar tools.
• Professional experience with Python or similar software languages and integration.
• Experience with ordnance device procurement, supply chain, and lot acceptance.
• Experience with PCBA and harness design and manufacturing.
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production of avionics systems for launch vehicles.
• Experience with an agile development environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

• Own from concept to implementation avionics components and systems for the Archimedes engine and self-destruct system.
• Execute against complex mission- and safety-critical systems, including analysis support such as simulation and modelling activities.
• Support and execute hardware testing, including engine hotfires and destructive qualification testing.
• Support hands-on integration, checkouts, and operation before launch.
• Optimize the avionics designs, implementation, and operation to achieve hands-off reusability between flights.
• Evaluate and test flown components to flesh out weaknesses that would arise long-term.
• Define and execute the appropriate reuse qualification campaigns for each subsystem.
• Create the backbone of a component’s lifecycle, generating electrical ground support equipment, test fixturing, and processes around procurement, production and test.
• Work with our regulatory agencies (e.g. FAA, NASA) to achieve a license to launch. Execute analysis and testing to verify requirements have been met.
• This includes demonstrations of the self-destruct system at an appropriate scale and sample size to prove the system is reliable.
• Travel to vendor and test sites around the United States, approximately 10%.