Senior Avionics Verification, Validation and Test Engineer

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

About the role

Based in New Zealand, this is a broad-spectrum role primarily responsible for the verification & validation of avionics components for space applications. Our fundamental goal is to ensure our products survive the rigors of launch and space for the entire mission lifecycle. Your role working with avionics hardware is critical to this mission, and the main line of defence to ensure the quality and reliability of Avionics components in a fast-paced development environment. 

What you will do

• Lead and carry verification and validation programs for space systems components.
• Management of requirements and program documentation outputs.
• Develop the procedures & processes for component tests and company standards that will form the baseline for programs into the future.
• Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations, when required.
• Quickly analyse and resolve discrepancies and non-conformances during the development cycle.
• Support program manager with program scoping and customer communications.
• Support design engineers to ensure that designs are manufacturable and testable to the product requirements.
• Identify, plan, and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet testing requirements, including preparation of business cases.
• Own assembly, checkouts, and development testing of test platforms.
• Carry out development and qualification testing.
• Mentor junior engineers.
• Some travel to support programs may be required.

Essential skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, or related engineering disciplines.
• 5+ years of experience with hardware development or electronics test engineering.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency in working to standards that cover environmental design testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal, EMI/EMC and TVAC.
• Proficiency with high accuracy calibration techniques and limitations.
• Proficiency in analysing circuits and developing functional test plans.
• Proficiency in understanding design principles, and manufacturing techniques to analyse and improve test coverage.
• Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, switch topologies, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors. 
• Experience with requirements management software (JAMA or equivalent).
• Experience with ticketing and documentation control software (JIRA / Confluence / GIT / Teamcenter / Altium Vault or equivalent).

Desired skills

• 3+ years of programming experience, preferably in Python, or C/C++
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis.
• Familiarity with National Instruments platforms including DAQ, PXI, and cRIO.
• Familiarity with relevant test standards such as SMC-S-016, SMC-S-018, GEVS, DO160, MIL-STD-461 etc.
• Experience developing automated in-circuit test platforms such as Bed-of-Nails.
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks / NX etc.).
• Experience with Harness and Grounding design.
• Familiarity with debugging and fault finding.

Rocket Lab Employee Benefits

• The opportunity to work on innovative and groundbreaking technology.
• An employee stock purchase program.
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career.
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks.
• Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross.
• Additional parental leave entitlements.
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year.

If the any of the above sounds like you apply now!