SENIOR AVIONICS ENGINEER, LAUNCH - MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Avionics Mission Formulation Engineer is responsible for developing high-performance launch vehicle systems in support of the Launch Systems Business Development and Strategy team. You will support the Director of Business Development and Strategy, and play a key role in developing future missions for Electron and Neutron.

The Mission Formulation team works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new concepts to life. As a Senior Engineer at Rocket Lab, you will be strongly influencing the design of the world's first mass-produced orbital launch vehicle. Given the high launch cadence of Electron and pace of Neutron development, you will have unparalleled opportunities for end-to-end hardware development and seeing your designs reach space.

Success in this position will be measured by the value of the knowledge and experience in launch vehicle design and mission experience that you bring into this role, your ability to lead design projects without supervision, successful collaboration with other teams across Rocket Lab, and the skillful prioritization of competing engineering development projects across the group.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Primary Avionics Design engineering contact to Business Development for proposal and mission concepts, including:
• Electron and Neutron mission operational concept development
• Electrical and RF design and analysis for unique payload accommodations including processing, vehicle integration, and launch site
• Working with external stakeholders and customers for mission-specific requirements engineering
• Documenting the proposed avionics design solution and participating in design reviews with the customer
• Work with the Rocket Lab Engineering and Production teams to:
• Develop tools and processes for automating common proposal analysis tasks
• Participate in program execution of Electron and Neutron system commissioning and calibration

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer Engineering)
• 5 years of working experience in Engineering
• Proven experience developing full design solutions for significant avionics or electrical systems in orbital launch vehicle or missile systems
• Active DoD US Government security clearance or, ability to obtain and maintain one

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active clearance (TS/SCI)
• Rapid conceptual design iteration experience
• Hands-on development and testing experience: FPGA, ARM processors, etc.
• Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
• Master’s or PhD in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
• Experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
• Creative, analytical, good at problem solving
• Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to meet higher level tasks
• Clear communication skills and calm under pressure

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• 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.