People Matter

Join the teams that make the Impossible Happen.

About The Role

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.

HITL TEST ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the HITL Test Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the HITL Lead and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Design, operate, and maintain the HITL systems for the Photon spacecraft bus
Work hands-on with test and flight space hardware
Work in a cross-disciplinary team to verify the functionality and performance of the Photon spacecraft bus
Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports
Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria
Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal team, vendors, and customers
Provide critical review for test plans, procedures, and documentation
Operate and capture data from test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, etc.)

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

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
2+ years of electronics testing experience
Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Theoretical and practical understanding of electronic systems
Familiarity with RS485/422/232, 1553, Ethernet, CAN, LVDS protocols
Familiarity with CAD for test fixture and support equipment layout and design
Strong understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics
Strong communication skills
Ability to be self-motivated
Exposure to spacecraft systems or similar highly complex and autonomous systems
Experience with PLCs, relays, and power systems
Experience with Python, C++, Linux, CI/CD, and Git
Previous HIL/PIL experience

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—$110,000 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.