HITL Engineer I

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. ELECTRON Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again. About the role Based in Auckland, NZ, the HITL Engineer I is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the Production, Electron and Neutron organizations and will be responsible for developing and implementing tools and automation solutions to optimize and streamline HITL system operations. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Work within a small team dedicated to designing, operating, and maintaining the avionic test systems to support all of Rocket Lab’s mission from the production floor to the launch operations. Ensure the HITL systems are subjected to an appropriate level of engineering rigor and documentation. Work with other teams to verify the functionality and performance of the Rocket Lab avionic components. Contribute directly to the development of automation tools to optimize running HITL operations. Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions. Work hands-on with test and flight space hardware. Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports. Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria. Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal teams, vendors, and customers. Operate and capture data from test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, etc.). Work under the New Zealand HITL team to improve the HITL standardization processes and automation. YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered ): Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field. 1+ years of engineering experience with hardware or software development. Practical experience with Python development for backend applications A good theoretical and/or practical understanding of electronic systems Exposure to designing and implementing test systems for electronics An understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master’s or PhD in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related fields. Prior experience working on a HITL test, Avionics test, or Software test team. Ability to understand and create technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports. Prior experience participating to Design andAacceptance reviews. Strong troubleshoot…