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!
ABOUT SPACE SYSTEMS AT ROCKET LAB:
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defence sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Based in New Zealand, this is a broad-spectrum role primarily responsible for the verification & validation of avionics components for space applications. Our fundamental goal is to ensure our products survive the rigors of launch and space for the entire mission lifecycle. Your role working with avionics hardware is critical to this mission, and the main line of defence to ensure the quality and reliability of Avionics components in a fast-paced development environment.
- Lead and carry verification and validation programs for space systems components.
- Management of requirements and program documentation outputs.
- Develop the procedures & processes for component tests and company standards that will form the baseline for programs into the future.
- Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations, when required.
- Quickly analyse and resolve discrepancies and non-conformances during the development cycle.
- Support program manager with program scoping and customer communications.
- Support design engineers to ensure that designs are manufacturable and testable to the product requirements.
- Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet testing requirements, including preparation of business cases.
- Own assembly, checkouts, and development testing of test platforms.
- Carry out development and qualification testing.
- Mentor junior engineers.
- Some travel to support programs may be required.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, or related engineering disciplines.
- 5+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency in working to standards that cover environmental design testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, EMI/EMC and TVAC.
- Proficiency with high accuracy calibration techniques and limitations.
- Proficiency in analysing circuits and developing functional test plans.
- Proficiency in understanding design principles, and manufacturing techniques to analyse and improve test coverage.
- Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors.
- Experience with requirements management software (JAMA or equivalent).
- Experience with ticketing and documentation control software (JIRA / Confluence / GIT / Teamcenter / Altium Vault or equivalent).
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- 3+ years of programming experience, preferably in Python, or C/C++
- Proficiency in statistical data analysis.
- Familiarity with National Instruments platforms including DAQ, PXI, and cRIO.
- Familiarity with relevant test standards such as SMC-S-016, SMC-S-018, GEVS, DO160, MIL-STD-461 etc.
- Experience developing automated in-circuit test platforms such as Bed-of-Nails.
- Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks / NX etc.)
- Experience with Harness and Grounding design.
- Familiarity with debugging and fault finding.
If the any of the above sounds like you apply now!
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 Biow 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.
