Senior systems test engineer at Rocket Lab's Littleton, CO office who designs, documents, and executes tests on spacecraft avionics, writes test scripts to verify hardware/software interfaces, and manages test planning and systems engineering deliverables. Core tools include Python, test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes), and avionics/communication protocols.
Compensation
$100K–$130K / yr
Location
Littleton, United States
Work setup
Onsite
Seniority
Senior
Employment
Full time
Experience
5+ years
Category
Qa
Posted
Skills
ethernet
itar
oscilloscope
python
uart
Must have
Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
5+ years of experience developing or testing electrical systems (avionics, automotive, spacecraft)
Programming experience with Python or similar scripting languages
Demonstrated knowledge of RLC circuit design and test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, etc.)
Ability to obtain and maintain a Security clearance
U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Nice to have
Master's degree in aerospace, computer science, or electrical engineering
Experience testing spacecraft avionics according to customer and internally derived requirements
Understanding of hardware design from concept to production
Experience testing or working with radio frequency communication systems
Familiarity with communication protocols (Ethernet, UART, LVDS, CAN, etc.)
Active Secret or Top Secret Security clearance
Full description
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.
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.
SENIOR SYSTEM TEST ENGINEER I
Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Littleton, CO, the Senior System Test Engineer I is responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. You will support the Chief Space Systems Engineer and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Design, document, review and execute tests on spacecraft avionics
Plan, write and execute test scripts that verify hardware/software interfaces and validate requirements
Author and review test plans, hardware drawings, test summary and reports Design, specify and procure test fixtures and other hardware as needed
Collaborate with flight software developers and Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineers to troubleshoot hardware and software anomalies
Communicate plans and results with leadership, team and customers
Travel to customer and vendor facilities to aid hardware delivery, checkout and commissioning
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
5+ years of experience developing or testing electrical systems (avionics, automotive, spacecraft)
Programming experience with Python or similar scripting languages
Demonstrated knowledge of RLC circuit design and test equipment (DMMs, Oscilloscopes etc.)
Ability to obtain a Security clearance and maintain one
U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master’s degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering
Experience testing spacecraft avionics according to customer and internally derived requirements
Understanding of hardware design from concept to production
Experience testing or working with radio frequency communication systems
Familiarity with communication protocols (Ethernet, UART, LVDS, CAN, etc.)
Active Secret or Top Secret Security clearance
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.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Base Pay Range (CO Only)
$100,000—$130,000 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.