Senior Electrical Engineer

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER II

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Electrical Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support the development and test of avionics hardware for our electro-optical optical systems. In this role you will work collaboratively with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of electrical hardware development, from requirements definition through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production. To be successful in this role, you must be passionate about avionics electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Hardware Design & Architecture
Own complete lifecycle of avionics hardware for command and control of electro-optical systems
Lead architecture decisions to advance EO sensor capabilities across LEO, GEO, and Cis-Lunar missions
Design and integrate complex electronics including FPGA, microcontroller, low-noise ADC/DAC, and VPX systems at CCA/module level
Develop Payload level designs integrating motor controllers, processing units, imagers, and cryptographic devices
Perform schematic capture and PCBA layout using Altium Designer

Requirements & Verification
Develop PCBA requirements through cross-functional collaboration with systems, mechanical, thermal, optical and software teams
Plan and execute design verification testing and system integration testing
Own environmental qualification programs including EMI/EMC, TVAC, shock, vibration, and other mission-specific tests
Support failure analysis and root-cause investigations for units in test, integration, or on-orbit operations

Leadership & Collaboration
Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior engineers and support staff (layout, analysis, test technicians)
Interface with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders
Support production manufacturing including DFM reviews, yield improvement, and process optimization
Participate in design reviews and present technical recommendations to leadership

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
8+ years of electrical hardware design experience
Able to develop "blank sheet of paper" design concepts
Experience in PCBA design with FPGAs
Knowledge with processors, FPGAs, switch mode power supplies, communication interfaces and analog instrumentation
A strong background in analog electronics design
Proficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE and Excel
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master’s or PhD in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
Proficiency with basic electronic lab equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, soldering irons, etc.
Experience designing electronics for space environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation including SEU/SEL impact and mitigation
Experience designing for high-reliability aerospace applications including TVAC, Shock, Vibe, etc.
Experience with EMI/EMC testing
Experience with Altium Designer in schematic capture and layout
Proficiency with PCBA verification and validation
Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical design familiarity in general
Experience with FPGA design and embedded software development for ARM core processors
Demonstrated success in working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities

This 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.
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