Manufacturing Engineer I - Avionics
About this role
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.
MANUFACTURING
Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team are the builders and the doers who work with our advanced machinery across our global manufacturing sites to get our satellites, satellite components, and rockets out the door. They bring the designs of our engineers to life by using advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to create our hardware, and are responsible for delivering our projects and missions on time and on budget to our customers.
As an Avionics Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of integrated electrical and mechanical systems within a high-growth, high-consequence production environment.
You will take ownership of test and production activities, support build rate targets, and make risk-based engineering decisions that directly impact mission success.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Assess and make risk-based decisions on product quality issues, especially when failures occur close to launch timelines
- Determine disposition of failed units (rework, accept, or scrap) based on technical risk, performance impact, and delivery constraints
- Plan and execute environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock) using complex multi-unit test systems
- Diagnose failures by distinguishing between product faults and test equipment issues in highly integrated setups
- Conduct testing of electronic and electromechanical systems, including PCB assemblies integrated with motors and mechanical components
- Validate system-level performance to ensure reliable interaction between electrical and mechanical subsystems
- Support PCB integration and production testing within internal test environments
- Take ownership of production lines- removing blockers, improving yield, and increasing build rate
- Drive process improvements across manufacturing, test, and integration
- Contribute to change management, assessing risk and impact of design or process changes
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, mechanical, test) to resolve issues and enable informed decision-making
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechatronics Engineering
- Experience with electrical hardware systems, PCBA assemblies, or instrumentation/control systems
- Experience designing or debugging test systems or automated test infrastructure
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex electrical or integrated systems in production environments
- Experience with Python, C, or similar for automation or data analysis
- Strong risk assessment and decision-making capability
- Strong communication skills and a proactive, can-do mindset
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with ERP/PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Infor LN)
- Knowledge of production quality metrics and configuration control
- Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum, shock)
- Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, and root cause methods
- Understanding of sensors and instrumentation (thermocouples, accelerometers, pressure sensors, etc.)
- Experience with engineering change processes in production environments
- Background in new product introduction (NPI)
WHY JOIN US:
You’ll be part of a team tackling challenging problems, delivering on ambitious missions, and shaping the future of space. This role offers the opportunity to work across test, manufacturing, and system integration, with real ownership and impact.
If this sounds like you, apply now!
If you meet at least 50% of the requirements, we still encourage you to apply.
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.
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