Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer II
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.
About the role
We’re currently seeking a Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer 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.
- Architect and lead the deployment and utilization of our internal test automation platform for future spacecraft programs
- Own test automation for Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team test campaigns across the entire program life cycle
- Develop, review, and maintain automated test processes for spacecraft hardware and software validation, establishing best practices and coding standards
- Integrate and automate test equipment and spacecraft interfaces into the test platform, making architectural decisions on telemetry, command, and data management
- Contribute to core platform development, including backend services and test framework capabilities
Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in space systems, ideally with spacecraft test, systems, or spacecraft software background
- 8+ years of professional programming experience with Python or similar languages in distributed application contexts
- Strong Linux systems knowledge and command-line proficiency
- Experience mentoring and technical leadership of other engineers
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- Willingness to obtain and maintain a top secret clearance
Nice-to-have qualifications
- An existing secret or top secret clearance
- Production experience with Python backend development
- Hands-on experience with RobotFramework or similar test automation frameworks
- Experience with software deployment and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience with networking, IT infrastructure, and systems administration
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing infrastructure
- Experience with spacecraft communication protocols and bus interfaces
Work environment
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.
Benefits
- Competitive base pay with company stock as part of your total compensation package
- Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount on company stock)
- Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with significant HSA company contribution)
- Dental and vision coverage
- Paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
- Paid parental leave
- Disability and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Subsidized EV charging
- Onsite fitness centers (where available) and discounted gym memberships
- Complimentary snacks and beverages
- 50% employee discount on Rocket Lab merchandise
- Various other employee discounts
Pay
Base Pay Range (CA Only): $130,000 USD - $170,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.