HITL Engineer

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. 

ELECTRON 

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again. 

About the role

Based in Auckland, NZ, the HITL Engineer I is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the Production, Electron and Neutron organizations and will be responsible for developing and implementing tools and automation solutions to optimize and streamline HITL system operations. 

 WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Work within a small team dedicated to designing, operating, and maintaining the avionic test systems to support all of Rocket Lab’s mission from the production floor to the launch operations. 
• Ensure the HITL systems are subjected to an appropriate level of engineering rigor and documentation. 
• Work with other teams to verify the functionality and performance of the Rocket Lab avionic components. 
• Contribute directly to the development of automation tools to optimize running HITL operations. 
• Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions. 
• Work hands-on with test and flight space hardware. 
• Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports. 
• Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria. 
• Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal teams, vendors, and customers. 
• Operate and capture data from test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, etc.). 
• Work under the New Zealand HITL team to improve the HITL standardization processes and automation. 

 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered****): 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field. 
• 1+ years of engineering experience with hardware or software development. 
• Practical experience with Python development for backend applications 
• A good theoretical and/or practical understanding of electronic systems  
• Exposure to designing and implementing test systems for electronics 
• An understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Master’s or PhD in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related fields. 
• Prior experience working on a HITL test, Avionics test, or Software test team. 
• Ability to understand and create technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports. 
• Prior experience participating to Design andAacceptance reviews. 
• Strong troubleshooting skills and an aptitude for technical guidance and mentoring of junior engineers. 
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines. 
• Have the mindset of actively “make and break” to find flaws and issues and report them. 
• Experience with harness manufacturing, electrical connectors, crimping, and soldering. 
• Familiarity with Ethernet, RS485/422/232, CAN, LVDS, SpaceWire protocols. 
• Strong understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics. 
• Strong communication skills. 
• Experience with computer networking: switching, routing and subnetting. 
• Experience reading engineering drawings. 
• Experience with PLCs, relays, and power systems. 
• Familiarity with Python, C++, Linux, CI/CD, Git, NX and SolidWorks. 
• Knowledge of spacecraft systems or similar highly complex and autonomous systems. 
• Experience with general design, documentation, and presentation in Microsoft Suite (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 
• Experience with quality reporting and management, work instruction peer review, test procedure or data review, and time recording in Jira. 
• Ability to be self-motivated. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

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.