Avionics Project Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Rocket Lab is looking for an Avionics Project Engineer to join the Electron programme as we expand the vehicle's capabilities and increase our production and launch cadence. In this role, you'll plan, coordinate and deliver engineering changes to Electron's avionics hardware, from flight computers and harnesses to sensors and safety systems, ensuring they're introduced into production smoothly and on schedule. 

Working directly within the Avionics Development engineering team, and closely with Supply Chain and Production, you'll own the configuration and master data for avionics assemblies, making sure every change is well scoped, resourced and executed to the quality standard required for 100% mission success. 

This is a role that suits someone who takes ownership of problems, is detail orientated, highly organised and comfortable moving fast across multiple concurrent projects. Rocket Lab moves fast and change is constant. This is a rare opportunity that defines 'no two days are the same'. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Plan, coordinate and deliver engineering change projects for Electron's avionics hardware, from scoping through to production introduction 
• Own schedule, resourcing and quality outcomes for assigned engineering changes, escalating risks early 
• Support the engineering change approval process, including scoping, resource estimation and cost/benefit assessments 
• Maintain EBOM and MBOM configuration control, including master data, effectivity, drawing release and accountability checks 
• Verify design data is accurate and complete before release to Supply Chain and Manufacturing 
• Support Engineering, Production and Supply Chain to resolve technical and schedule issues 
• Identify and drive configuration management process improvements to support increasing production and launch cadence 
• Communicate project status, risks and decisions clearly to engineering and leadership stakeholders 

 WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Aerospace or related Engineering field 
• 1+ years' experience in an engineering, manufacturing or project environment 
• Working knowledge of engineering design, CAD, and manufacturing processes 
• Basic understanding of avionics or electronics hardware, such as reading schematics or electrical systems 
• Experience with PDM/PLM tools, such as Teamcenter, and CAD file databases 
• Understanding of engineering change management and associated configuration management practices 
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across teams 

IT'S A BONUS IF YOU HAVE

• Familiarity with part numbering and revision schemes associated with engineering change 
• Project management experience, formal or on the job 
• ERP system experience 
• Exposure to avionics or electrical hardware in a production or test environment 

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.