Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior - Electrical

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

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 extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

NEUTRON  

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program.  

GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER, ELECTRICAL 

Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Ground Systems Engineer II, Instrumentation and Controls is responsible for the development, automation, testing and commissioning of fluid and gas systems at the Archimedes engine test facility. You will support the test operations team and be responsible for software, PLC, networks, instrumentation and controls. 

Note: This position can be hired as a Level II, Senior Engineer I or Senior Engineer II level.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Design control systems for complex test facility systems controlling flow of fluids to rocket engines during test activities
• Support certification of systems including producing documentation operator manuals, maintenance procedures, test procedures, and work instructions
• Support technicians remotely or in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities
• Become a subject matter expert in one or more of the necessary disciplines dealing with instrumentation, control systems, HMI, PLCs, software, and networks.
• Perform test operations activities.
• Post-test data analysis 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN ENGINEER II: 

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer science
• 2+ years of experience designing instrumentation, controls and related infrastructure 
• Hands-on experience with data acquisition, control, and automation systems
• Electrical design/CAD experience 

 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR ENGINEER I: 

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer science
• 5+ years of experience designing instrumentation, controls and related infrastructure 
• Hands-on experience with data acquisition, control, and automation systems
• Electrical design/CAD experience 

 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR ENGINEER II: 

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer science
• 8+ years of experience designing instrumentation, controls and related infrastructure 
• Hands-on experience with data acquisition, control, and automation systems
• Electrical design/CAD experience 

 

 

​ THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Familiarity with NFPA 70/70E 
• Experience with IEC 61131-3 PLC programming languages
• Experience implementing functional safety (IEC 61508 & IEC 61511)
• UL 508A compliant electrical design
• Experience with NI LabVIEW
• Development with tools including C/C++, Python, TeamCity, EPlan, Beckhoff PLC Programming, NI cRio controller programming, Gitlab/Git Version Control System
• Experience with complex industrial systems for flow of fluids, especially cryogenics and high pressures
• Experience with hazardous area/ classified area design and maintenance 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly r