Senior Electrical Engineer I/II - Secret Clearance
Rocket Lab USAAbout the role
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 to 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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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 them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I/II
Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Electrical Engineer I/II will participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for our spacecraft programs. 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. As an engineer on the spacecraft development team, you will have frequent opportunities to test and operate your systems on-orbit. We're looking for people who are passionate about spacecraft electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Develop PCBA requirements in collaboration with other engineering disciplines
- Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
- Circuit analysis, including power, tolerance, and reliability related
- PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
- Production manufacturing support as needed
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Electrical Engineer I or Senior Electrical Engineer II level)
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
- 5+ years of electrical hardware design experience, including schematic capture and PCB layout
- A strong background in analog electronics design
- Proficiency performing circuit analyses in SPICE and Excel
- Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER II:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
- 8+ years of electrical hardware design experience, including schematic capture and PCB layout
- A strong background in analog electronics design
- Proficiency performing circuit analyses in SPICE and Excel
- Proficiency with Altium Designer for schematic capture and layout of complex PCBs
- Knowledge with processors, FPGAs, switch mode power supplies, communication interfaces and analog instrumentation
- Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI
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 for space environmen
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