Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

SPACE SYSTEMS

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar.

Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Electrical Systems Engineer is responsible for systems engineering in support of our programs and projects. Since this role has an electrical focus, you will assist in the execution of electrical engineering activities for our spacecraft and space systems components. This includes managing electrical designs, creating interconnect diagrams, and assisting with the testing of spacecraft electrical systems and space components to ensure overall mission success. You will support the program Chief Engineer and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Develop and maintain:
- Technical budgets for vehicle performance
- System requirements and verification techniques
- Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
- Test methods and data analysis
Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
Assist with program and product management
Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents
Electrical responsibilities:
- Create interconnect diagrams
- Perform trade studies and evaluations to optimize spacecraft avionics systems for performance, reliability, manufacturability, testability, and programmatic lead-times
- Develop test plans and procedures for avionics subsystems and components
- Perform or support design tasks such as harness routing, wiring schematics, and connector, backshell, and wire selection
- Work in multi-disciplinary teams to identify and understand electrical and programmatic requirements for new changes
- Conduct peer review for electrical system schematics, harness designs, and other documentation

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered):

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
2+ years of electrical engineering or avionics experience

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Experience in the aerospace/defense industry
Experience supporting satellite development programs and satellite operations
Advanced degree in engineering or other technical discipline
Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated components, including: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
Experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the loop (HITL) testing
Proficiency in electronics principles and electrical systems, including power electronics, communication systems (e.g RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus), signal integrity, and grounding
Proficiency with instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors, including: power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors
Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation offer package based on individual qualifications and experience, including company stock. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$95,000—$125,000 USD

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations fromthe U.S Department of State.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.