Manufacturing Engineer I - Avionics

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. As an Avionics Manufacturing Engineer , you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of integrated electrical and mechanical systems within a high-growth, high-consequence production environment. You will take ownership of test and production activities, support build rate targets, and make risk-based engineering decisions that directly impact mission success. Key Responsibilities Assess and make risk-based decisions on product quality issues, especially when failures occur close to launch timelines Determine disposition of failed units ( rework, accept, or scrap ) based on technical risk, performance impact, and delivery constraints Plan and execute environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock) using complex multi-unit test systems Diagnose failures by distinguishing between product faults and test equipment issues in highly integrated setups Conduct testing of electronic and electromechanical systems , including PCB assemblies integrated with motors and mechanical components Validate system-level performance to ensure reliable interaction between electrical and mechanical subsystems Support PCB integration and production testing within internal test environments Take ownership of production lines- removing blockers, improving yield, and increasing build rate Drive process improvements across manufacturing, test, and integration Contribute to change management , assessing risk and impact of design or process changes Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, mechanical, test) to resolve issues and enable informed decision-making YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechatronics Engineering Experience with electrical hardware systems , PCBA assemblies, or instrumentation/control systems Experience designing or debugging test systems or automated test infrastructure Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex electrical or integrated systems in production environments Experience with Python, C, or similar for automation or data analysis Strong risk assessment and decision-making capability Strong communication skills and a proactive, can-do mindset NICE TO HAVE Experience with ERP/PLM systems (e.g. Teamcenter, Infor LN) Knowledge of production quality metrics and configuration control Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum, shock) Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, Fault Tree Analysis, and root cause methods Understanding of sensors and instrumentation (thermocouples, accelerometers, pressure sensors, etc.) Experience with engineering change processes in production environments Background in new product introduction (NPI) WHY JOIN US You’ll be part of a team tackling challenging problems, delivering on ambitious missions, and shaping the future of space. This role offers the opportunity to work across test, manufacturing, and ... (truncated, view full listing at source)