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's Electron is one of the world's most frequently flown rockets. We need a systems engineer to own the technical development and certification of our Flight Safety Systems - the critical hardware and software that enables safe launch operations.
This is a rare, hands-on role where you'll work across the full lifecycle: from requirements and hardware development through environmental testing, regulatory certification, and live launch support.
WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
- Systems Engineering
- Manage requirements for flight safety hardware and software from design through flight. Ensure traceability, develop verification methods, and maintain standards compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
- Hardware Qualification & Testing
- Lead component qualification programs including vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC testing. Investigate failures, debug hardware issues, and oversee test rigs used for end-to-end verification at launch sites.
- Launch Operations
- Support live launch campaigns by troubleshooting hardware faults, reviewing flight data, and implementing corrective actions. Develop automated tools for pre and post-flight analysis.
- Regulatory Certification
- Interface directly with NASA and FAA on certification activities. Prepare compliance documentation, respond to regulatory feedback, and ensure Range Safety standards (RCC-319) are correctly implemented.
- Process Improvement
- Drive improvements across production, launch operations, and test infrastructure. Build documentation practices that scale beyond institutional knowledge.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years developing electronic systems through design, test, and qualification
- 5+ years practicing systems engineering – managing requirements and verification activities in fast-paced environments
- Hands-on hardware debugging skills (oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters)
- Strong technical writing for documentation, test plans, and regulatory submissions
- Ability to work independently and prioritize across multiple workstreams
- Comfortable collaborating across hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with safety-critical or certified systems (avionics, medical devices, automotive)
- Familiarity with Range Safety standards (RCC-319, RCC-324) or similar frameworks
- Knowledge of flight termination systems, RF systems, or pyrotechnics
- Environmental testing standards and qualification processes
- Python or MATLAB for test automation and data analysis
- Requirements management tools (Jama, DOORS)
- Launch campaign or flight test support experience
- Electronics failure analysis and root cause investigation
WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT
You'll move between systems-level thinking and hands-on problem solving daily. One day you're qualifying hardware in a test chamber, the next you're supporting countdown operations, and the day after that you're presenting certification data to regulators.
Aerospace experience is not required. If you've developed electronic systems in other industries and want to work on mission-critical hardware that flies regularly, we want to hear from you.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive on-the-job training for flight safety systems and certification processes
- Work with experienced systems, test, and hardware development engineers
- Direct impact on launch cadence and mission success
- Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and shape engineering practices
This position may require domestic and international travel.
READY TO WORK ON SYSTEMS THAT ENABLE SPACE ACCESS?
Apply now to join Rocket Lab's Electron Avionics Team.
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.