Senior Avionics Engineer - Power Electronics

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 e...

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star tracker...

SENIOR AVIONICS ENGINEER - POWER ELECTRONICS

Own the full development lifecycle of high-reliability, high-voltage power processing units for ion propulsion systems, focusing on advanced power conversion, high-voltage isolation, and precision current/voltage control.
Architect and design high-power DC-DC converters and power distribution electronics, ensuring optimal topology selection, effective thermal management, and minimal EMI for mission-critical propulsion applications.
Design and prototype vehicle-level high-voltage distribution units and interface modules, ensuring robust circuit protection, arc suppression, and compliance with complex system-level safety and interface requirements.
Perform comprehensive electrical analyses, including Worst-Case Analysis (WCA), FIDES, Power Integrity (PI), thermal simulations, and high-voltage stress analysis to ensure mission reliability.
Select space-grade high-voltage components for in-orbit applications, addressing radiation tolerance (TID/SEE), corona discharge risks, outgassing, and lead-time risks.
Lead the design of complex power electronics, including custom magnetics (transformers, inductors), switching regulator optimization, high-voltage filtering, and high-efficiency power distribution networks.
Develop grounding, bonding, and EMI/EMC strategies for high-power integrated avionics suites to ensure electromagnetic compatibility across spacecraft and propulsion systems.
Oversee bring-up, "smoke testing," and diagnostic verification of first-article high-voltage flight hardware, performing precision rework and high-voltage diagnostics as needed.
Define and lead environmental qualification and risk-reduction testing campaigns for power electronics, including Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), random vibration, high-voltage breakdown, and EMI/EMC testing.
Mentor junior and intermediate engineers through peer reviews of power electronics schematics, high-voltage PCB layouts, and technical budgets (power, mass, efficiency).
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Propulsion, GNC, Flight Software, Thermal) to resolve high-voltage interface challenges and ensure seamless system integration.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field
5+ years of experience in high-reliability power electronics design, with a proven track record of delivering flight-proven or mission-critical high-power hardware
Mastery of high-voltage power electronics design, simulation, and layout using industry-standard digital tools
Experience with high-efficiency DC-DC converters operating below 1kV, magnetics design (transformers, inductors), and high-voltage isolation techniques, including mitigations for creepage and corona/arcing
Hands-on expertise with advanced lab instrumentation for high-voltage hardware bring-up and characterization (e.g., high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, high-voltage probes, current sensing equipment)
Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) for high-reliability, production-scale high-voltage electronics
Expert-level proficiency in eCAD software (Altium Designer)
Power electronics simulation tools (LTspice, PLECS, PSIM, or similar)
Power Integrity and thermal analysis tools (HyperLynx, ANSYS Icepak, or similar)
Requirement management and verification tools (JAMA)
Product Lifecycle Management and configuration management (Teamcenter)
Mechanical integration and harness oversight (Siemens NX)
Production and task management software (Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet)
Understanding of space-specific design constraints, including radiation mitigation (TID/SEE), thermal management in a vacuum, and material outgassing for high-voltage applications
Experience with FPGA development or low-level embedded software for hardware verification and diagnostic tool development for power systems
Background in designing ion propulsion power processing units, Hall effect thruster controllers, or gridded ion engine electronics
Experience leading environmental qualification campaigns (TVAC, Vibration, Shock, EMI/EMC, high-voltage breakdown testing) to aerospace standards
Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) development for production-level high-voltage PCBA verification
Demonstrated success mentoring junior engineering staff and driving technical process improvements within an organization
Familiarity with the unique constraints of the NewSpace industry, specifically the application of COTS components in high-reliability, high-power systems
Knowledge of custom magnetics winding techniques and vendor management for space-qualified magnetic components

 
 
 
WHAT TO EXPECT 
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO