Senior Avionics Systems Engineer - Electron

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. 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. ABOUT THE ROLE Rocket Lab is looking for an experienced and highly motivated Systems Engineer to develop the avionics for the Electron vehicle. This is a rare and exciting hands-on role that spans the full lifecycle: requirements management, hardware development, oversee test execution, certification activities, V&V for flight readiness and also provide technical guidance during Electron missions. You'll work across hardware, software, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready systems that enable our rapid launch cadence. The role requires knowledge of core system engineering fundamentals, good technical judgment, practical problem-solving skills, and clear communication with internal teams and external regulatory bodies. YOU'LL GET TO: Own & Ship: Exercise core systems engineering - manage requirements and software from design through to flight, ensuring traceability and standards compliance Develop requirements, verification and control methods for avionics hardware Support launch operations by investigating hardware faults, reviewing flight data, and implementing corrective actions Solve & Fix: Lead component qualification testing, environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC), and failure investigations Work with production teams to ensure RCC-319 requirements are correctly implemented and interpreted Oversee hardware and procedures used for HITL and end-to-end testing at launch sites, including defining hardware integration and test software requirements Build & Improve: Develop processes and tools to automate pre and post flight data analysis, collaborating with Mission Analysis with vehicle simulations Drive process improvements in production (NCR handling), launch operations (approval workflows, operator training), and test infrastructure Establish system engineering documentation practices that don't rely on institutional knowledge Lead & Scale: Interface with NASA and FAA on certification activities, prepare compliance documentation, and respond to regulatory feedback Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across teams Work across disciplines with hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams to deliver flight-ready systems Grow & Deliver: Ability to prioritise work independently and move between systems-level thinking and hands-on problem solving Strong written communication skills for technical documentation, test plans, and regulatory submissions Good technical judgment an…