Senior Avionics Engineer I - Mission Formulation
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 19, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 1, 2026. Rocket Lab scores B on the Alion truth index.
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
SENIOR AVIONICS ENGINEER I - MISSION FORMULATION
Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Avionics Engineer I - Mission Formulation is responsible for developing high-performance launch vehicle systems in support of the Launch Systems Business Development and Strategy team.
The Senior Avionics Engineer I - Mission Formulation is an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life. This team is also responsible for the formulation and implementation of classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles and play a key role in developing future missions for Electron and Neutron. 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.
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
- Designing and documenting electrical schematics, harnesses, and kits, including custom vehicle electrical schematics, and providing detailed pinouts for all electrical interfaces to payloads or deployers.
- 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 electrical, aerospace engineering or other technical discipline
- 5+ years of working experience in engineering
- Experience developing full design solutions for significant avionics or electrical systems in orbital launch vehicle or missile systems
- Active DoD US Government Secret security clearance or, ability to obtain and maintain one
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- 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 electrical 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
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.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
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.
Total Compensation (base and equity)
$144,275—$190,675 USD
Base Salary
$124,000—$155,000 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 [email protected]. 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.