Senior Avionics Manufacturing Engineer I

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 AVIONICS MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

Rocket Lab Robotics specializes in high-performance robotic systems and precision mechanisms that enable the most ambitious space missions, including NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover and CADRE lunar rovers. Leveraging Mars-proven expertise from Motiv Space Systems, we deliver scalable, flight-proven solutions – such as robotic arms, motion control systems, and solar array drive assemblies (SADAs) – to support planetary exploration, satellite servicing, and national security missions.

We are currently seeking a Senior Avionics Manufacturing Engineer I to be based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA. You will develop, implement, and continuously improve avionics processes through strong working knowledge of EEE piece parts, PCB, PCBA, electromechanical assembly, tooling, test, and quality techniques. You will work closely with design engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and highly skilled technicians to translate designs into efficient, repeatable, and well-documented manufacturing processes. You’ll play a critical role in supporting all aspects of Avionics production at Rocket Lab Robotics by taking ownership of products released to production, removing production blockers, dispositioning issue tickets, performing root-cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on problem solving, rapid iteration, and building the processes that enable complex robotics hardware to move from prototype through production.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Work closely with responsible design engineers to provide solutions for reliability and quality of electromechanical assemblies and associated test fixtures
• Review fabrication and assembly documentation for flight and production hardware, providing manufacturability feedback to improve build efficiency, reduce risk, and optimize cost without compromising quality or performance
• Develop build methods to increase throughput, reduce opportunities for error, simplify technician workflows, and improve manufacturability.
• Collect, document, and communicate lessons learned from builds to design engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams.
• Develop and maintain clear work instructions, travelers, test procedures, and visual aids to ensure effective communication between engineering and technicians.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and accuracy of production travelers and manufacturing documentation to ensure traceability, quality compliance, and efficient execution of manufacturing processes.
• Maintain integrated planning and build documents that reflect current hardware configurations, work scope, priorities, and production readiness.
• Identify and mitigate risks tied to shortages, late drawing release, process planning gaps, and supply constraints
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances and collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements
• Develop production procedures and processes and ensure they are accurately and clearly documented to allow repeatable and reliable manufacturing
• Contribute and steer design reviews, acting as an expert in design for manufacture and test.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace engineering, or similar engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in an avionics, electrical or electrical/mechanical focused manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of electronic circuits, design principles, and manufacturing techniques
• Experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, or test procedures for complex hardware.
• U.S Citizenship required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience transitioning products from design to production as a part of cross-functional team in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
• Working experience with environmental acceptance/production acceptance testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, and vacuum
• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors
• Demonstrated experience with DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, Fault Tree Analysis, Pareto analysis, root cause and corrective action.
• Working experience with capacity modeling, process mapping, Lean/Six Sigma, and value stream mapping
• SPC knowledge and experience applying statistical methods to track process capability and performance.

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.