Full-Time

Avionics Automation Test Engineer 2

Updated on 8/19/2026

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Launch services and spacecraft components provider

Compensation Overview

$85k - $115k/yr

No H1B Sponsorship

Long Beach, CA, USA

In Person

US Top Secret Clearance Required

Bachelor's

Category
QA & Testing (1)
Aerospace Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Kubernetes
Python
JavaScript
Software Testing
Computer Networking
Docker
TypeScript
Linux/Unix

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Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or another technical discipline.
  • At least 2 years of experience in space, ideally with a spacecraft test, systems, or spacecraft software background.
  • At least 2 years of programming experience in the context of distributed applications.
  • Experience with Linux.
  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
  • The position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the deployment and utilization of the internal test automation platform for future spacecraft programs.
  • Provide critical support to the Assembly, Integration and Test team as it executes spacecraft test campaigns using the software.
  • Collaborate with systems, flight software, ground software, and operations users by adding features and managing deployments to meet their diverse needs.
  • Investigate and resolve bugs and issues encountered by other teams.
Desired Qualifications
  • Secret or Top Secret clearance.
  • Experience with Python, JavaScript, and/or TypeScript.
  • Experience with software deployment tools such as Docker or Kubernetes.
  • Experience with networking and information technology.
  • Experience with software unit testing, such as pytest or Robot Framework.

Rocket Lab USA provides end-to-end space services including launch, spacecraft components, and mission support for government, defense, and commercial customers. Its Electron small-lift launcher delivers dedicated missions for small satellites, using carbon composite structures and 3D-printed Rutherford engines for high launch frequency. The Space Systems unit makes spacecraft components and the Photon satellite bus, and the company is developing Neutron for larger constellations and interplanetary missions, as well as HASTE for hypersonic tech tests. By combining in-house launch and hardware with strategic acquisitions, Rocket Lab offers integrated mission solutions to reduce risk and complexity, aiming to make space missions faster, more reliable, and more accessible.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Q2 2026 revenue hit $234 million, up 62%, with $2.36 billion backlog.
  • August 2026 secured $266 million Space Force launch work and $397 million SB-AMTI spacecraft.
  • Globalstar's first eight MDA-built satellites reached orbit August 15, validating Lightning production.

What critics are saying

  • Reuters on August 10 said Neutron slipped from launch to launch-pad readiness in Q4.
  • Q3 gross margin guidance of 29%-31% trails analysts, pressuring valuation and cash.
  • If Neutron slips into 2027, Rocket Lab risks Space Force credibility and launch relevance.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab sells launch, spacecraft buses, and components from one Long Beach factory.
  • August 2026 Viasat PTS-G and Globalstar wins show prime-plus-supplier defense depth.
  • Neutron, Electron, and HASTE create a rare multi-orbit, multi-mission launch stack.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Yahoo Finance
Aug 20th, 2026
Rocket Lab completes 93rd Electron mission, nine more iQPS launches booked through 2030

Rocket Lab completed its 93rd Electron rocket launch on Thursday, deploying a QPS-SAR satellite for Japan's Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space. This marks the company's 14th launch of 2024 and ninth iQPS mission with a 100% success rate. Nine more dedicated Electron launches for iQPS remain booked through 2030. The satellites use synthetic aperture radar to capture images through clouds and darkness. Earlier this month, Rocket Lab reported record second-quarter revenue of $234.1 million, exceeding Wall Street's estimates of $230.94 million. The company expects third-quarter revenue between $250 million and $265 million. Despite the successful launch, Rocket Lab shares dropped over 4% as space stocks fell alongside the broader market.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 17th, 2026
Viasat taps Rocket Lab to build GEO satellite for U.S. Space Force's PTS-G programme

Viasat has selected Rocket Lab to build the satellite bus for a spacecraft under the US Space Force's Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) programme. The agreement, announced on 17 August 2026, supports Viasat's work on the first PTS-G production award, Swarm 1, which aims to deploy a small, manoeuvrable satellite in geosynchronous Earth orbit. Viasat secured the prime Swarm 1 contract on 22 May 2026. The award covers manufacture, integration, testing, launch and on-orbit checkout, plus five years of operational support. Rocket Lab will supply its Lightning-GEO platform to carry Viasat's dual-band X/Ka-band communications payload. The spacecraft includes Rocket Lab's power systems, star trackers, reaction wheels and flight software. The programme seeks to provide more flexible protected military satellite communications capable of operating in contested environments.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 17th, 2026
Rocket Lab launches eight satellites in $143M Globalstar replenishment contract

Rocket Lab has successfully launched eight satellites for Globalstar's communications network from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on 15 August. The satellites, built under a $143 million contract with MDA Space, mark the first batch of 17 platforms Rocket Lab is producing. The company has confirmed contact with all eight spacecraft, which are generating power and operating normally in orbit. The 500kg satellites are customised versions of Rocket Lab's Lightning platform, manufactured at its Long Beach, California headquarters. The platforms will undergo commissioning before joining Globalstar's network, which provides direct-to-device communications and internet of things applications. MDA Space serves as prime contractor for the constellation replenishment programme, handling final assembly and integration in Montréal.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 17th, 2026
Rocket Lab posts record $234M Q2 revenue, up 62% YoY, beats estimates despite margin pressure

Rocket Lab reported Q2 revenue of $234 million, up 62% year-on-year, beating analyst estimates. CEO Peter Beck highlighted the record performance and expanding backlog driven by satellite manufacturing wins. Despite the beat, shares fell as management cited margin pressure from the Mynaric acquisition integration costs and business mix shifts. The company guided Q3 revenue to $257.5 million and EBITDA to $20 million, both above analyst expectations. During the earnings call, analysts questioned Neutron production scaling, plans to accelerate growth at acquired Iridium, pricing for GHOST-enabled launches, timing of a next-generation Iridium constellation, and cash burn drivers. Management emphasised reliable scaling over speed and expects free cash flow improvement following Neutron's first successful test flight.

Simply Wall St
Aug 14th, 2026
Rocket Lab raises $1.06B in stock sales, valued 6% below $85 fair value target

Rocket Lab has disclosed an at-the-market equity programme of up to $1.94 billion, alongside completing $1.06 billion in common stock sales. The move follows a 36% share price decline over 90 days, though the one-year return stands at 87%. Analyst estimates suggest the stock is 5.8% undervalued, with a fair value of $85 per share against the recent close of $80.10. The company is transitioning from small-launch specialist to integrated space and defence contractor, with Space Systems now comprising 67% of revenue. Rocket Lab holds a $1.85 billion backlog, up 73% year-over-year, anchored by an $816 million SDA Tranche 3 award. The valuation relies on successful Neutron execution and timely contract delivery.