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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Avionics Automation Test Engineer II to join the Space Systems team at their Long Beach headquarters. This role focuses on automating and improving testing efficiency for avionics systems and completed satellites used in space missions.
Key responsibilities include architecting and leading deployment of an internal test automation platform for future spacecraft programs, owning test automation for Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team campaigns across the entire program lifecycle, and developing automated test processes for spacecraft hardware and software validation. You will establish best practices and coding standards, integrate and automate test equipment and spacecraft interfaces into the test platform, and make architectural decisions on telemetry, command, and data management. Additionally, you'll contribute to core platform development including backend services and test framework capabilities.
Required qualifications include 8+ years of experience in space systems (ideally with spacecraft test, systems, or spacecraft software background), 8+ years of professional programming experience with Python or similar languages in distributed application contexts, strong Linux systems knowledge and command-line proficiency, experience mentoring and providing technical leadership to other engineers, and a Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline. Willingness to obtain and maintain a top secret clearance is required.
Desirable qualifications include existing secret or top secret clearance, production experience with Python backend development, hands-on experience with RobotFramework or similar test automation frameworks, experience with Docker and Kubernetes, networking and IT infrastructure knowledge, CI/CD pipeline experience, and familiarity with spacecraft communication protocols and bus interfaces.
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives, working with partners like NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
