Systems Test Engineer
Posted 25 Jun 2026
Advertised as “Senior Systems Test Engineer I”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Level
- I
- Expected experience
- 5+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
No salary listed for this role.
Field of studyAerospace, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering
Study levelMaster's
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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
SENIOR SYSTEM TEST ENGINEER I
Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Littleton, CO, the Senior System Test Engineer I is responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. You will support the Chief Space Systems Engineer and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Design, document, review and execute tests on spacecraft avionics
- Plan, write and execute test scripts that verify hardware/software interfaces and validate requirements
- Author and review test plans, hardware drawings, test summary and reports Design, specify and procure test fixtures and other hardware as needed
- Collaborate with flight software developers and Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineers to troubleshoot hardware and software anomalies
- Communicate plans and results with leadership, team and customers
- Travel to customer and vendor facilities to aid hardware delivery, checkout and commissioning
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline