Avionics Design Manager

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.

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.

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.

• Technical Leadership
  • Own design of Avionics subsystems from concept to production for our spacecraft programs
  • Manage project timelines and ensure hardware is delivered to the program on schedule
  • Create a technical roadmap for avionics designs and architecture including proposing distinct plans for future improvements and prototyping efforts
  • 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…