Avionics Design Manager
$140k - $200k USD
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 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.
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.
MANAGER, AVIONICS DESIGN
The Avionics Design team in Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division is responsible for full end to end development of Avionics hardware for our satellite platforms. Our scope includes power systems, data management, telemetry, flight computers, thermal control systems, propulsion control systems, and payload interfaces. The team designs complex solutions that can be configurable to mission needs. Engineers on our team have a great degree of ownership over their designs. Our work is crucial to the operation of our spacecraft and ultimately mission success!
Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, as the Manager of Avionics Design, you will lead a team of Electrical Engineers to design, prototype, fabricate, test, and produce Avionics hardware for Rocket Lab Space System’s spacecraft programs. This role includes people and technical lead responsibilities. You will work with the director/manager of the department to plan project assignments for your team and be responsible for on-time delivery of hardware to programs. You will also get to serve as a technical leader in our spacecraft electrical system architecture.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Technical Leadership
- Responsible for the execution of the development of Avionics subsystems for spacecraft programs
- Manage project timelines and ensure hardware is delivered to the program on schedule
- Help scope work and estimate timelines for new product developments and program proposals
- Ensure Avionics products comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, export controls and company specifications throughout the design process
- Support implementation of new processes and practices to promote efficient design flow and team communication
- Help identify technical areas of improvement, create proposals for changes and request additional resources
- People Leadership:
- Lead and mentor a team of avionics engineers, providing technical guidance, conducting performance reviews and fostering a collaborative work environment
- Coordinate with other teams to ensure seamless progression through development, testing, procurement, and integration
- Be involved in recruiting new engineers and work with the department director/manager to grow the team
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, computer engineering, or other engineering degree
- 8+ years of electrical engineering or avionics design experience
- Experience in leading avionics projects for satellite development programs
- Proficiency in electronic principles and electrical systems, including power electronics, communication systems (e.g. RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus), signal integrity, and grounding
- Thorough understanding of space environments and considerations, including radiation tolerance, needed in electronics design for in-orbit applications
- Experience in the end-to-end development of electronic product design, including schematic capture, PCBA layout, design verification testing, analysis, reviews, documentation and production
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Master’s or PhD in electrical, aerospace, computer engineering; or other engineering degree
- Prior management experience of engineering teams
- Knowledgeable in FPGA firmware and ability to create basic images to test hardware
- Experience with LT Spice, Altium, and/or Siemens software suite (eg Teamcenter)
- Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA
- Hands-on experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the loop (HITL) testing
- Proficiency with instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors
- Familiar with regulatory requirements, markings, designators, and controls for ITAR controlled hardware
- Working experience with engineering organization tools such as Confluence, Jira, Sharepoint, and Smartsheets
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities
- Familiar with environmental and risk reduction testing for space products including random vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and EMI/EMC
- Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities
- Demonstrated success meeting aggressive development schedules
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
- Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
- Must be physically able to commute to buildings
- Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$140,000—$200,000 USD
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.