Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer I/II

About The Role

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.

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.

Sr. Avionics Automation Test Engineer I/II

We’re currently seeking a Sr. Avionics Automation Test Engineer I/II for our global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This team is responsible for automating and improving the testing efficiency of both the individual avionics and the completed satellites.

• Lead the development of automated testing software for support of test programs
• Coordinate cross-functionally with other engineering teams to develop efficient testing strategies for Acceptance and Qualification test programs
• Support the design and development of space flight hardware to increase the level of design for testability and manufacturability
• Architect and develop manufacturing and production software tools
• Contribute to the development of engineering and business processes, including engineering and test processes, as well as other business processes to support Rocket Lab growth and capability
• Establish standards and best practices for software development and test

You’ll bring these qualifications as Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer I:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of programming experience in Python
• Experience with software development on a Linux platform
• Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

You’ll bring these qualifications as Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer II:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 8+ years of programming experience in Python in the context of mid or large-scale applications
• 8+ years of experience with electronics test engineering, spacecraft systems engineering, or hardware development
• Understanding of electrical test equipment, test procedures, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

These qualifications would be nice to have:

• Space industry experience in integration and/or test with spacecraft
• Experience with communication protocols like TCP/UDP, serial communication or similar
• Experience working with software unit testing, such as pytest or robot framework
• Experience working in a hardware or spacecraft production environment
• Experience with JavaScript or TypeScript

The 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. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base pay range (CA only): $124,800—$187,200 USD.