Principal Electrical Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

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.

PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

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 Principal Electrical Engineer 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

Provide technical leadership for the full lifecycle of avionics hardware for advanced electro-optical systems

Drive system architecture and technology roadmaps for EO sensors across all orbital domains

Oversee design and integration of complex electronics (FPGA, microcontroller, ADC/DAC, VPX) at system and module levels

Architect and review payload-level designs, integrating motor controllers, processing units, imagers, and cryptographic devices, while mentoring engineering teams and ensuring compliance with industry standards and security requirements

Establish standards for schematic capture and PCBA layout in Altium Designer, ensuring quality and reliability through critical design reviews

Requirements & Verification

Lead PCBA requirements development through cross-functional collaboration, ensuring alignment with system objectives

Establish and oversee verification, validation, and integration test strategies

Direct environmental qualification programs (EMI/EMC, TVAC, shock, vibration), ensuring compliance with standards

Provide technical leadership and sign-off for failure analysis and root-cause investigations, driving continuous improvement

Leadership & Collaboration

Provide strategic technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, fostering talent development and technical excellence

Build and manage key relationships with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and executive stakeholders to align program objectives

Drive production manufacturing initiatives, leading DFM strategy, yield optimization, and process innovation across programs

Lead critical design reviews and deliver high-impact technical recommendations to executive leadership and cross-functional teams

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent advanced experience)

12+ years of progressive electrical hardware design experience in aerospace or related high-reliability industries, with demonstrated technical leadership on complex programs

Proven ability to architect and deliver innovative "blank sheet of paper" design solutions for mission-critical aerospace systems

Extensive experience in advanced PCBA design, including high-speed digital and mixed-signal circuits with FPGAs, ASICs, and microcontrollers

Deep expertise in FPGA architecture and embedded software development for ARM-based systems

Deep expertise in system-level integration of processors, FPGAs, switch mode power supplies, high-speed communication interfaces, and precision analog instrumentation

Strong analog electronics design, with a track record of delivering high-performance, low-noise solutions for aerospace applications

High proficiency in circuit analysis and simulation using SPICE, MATLAB, and other industry-standard tools

Extensive experience architecting electronics for space environments, with deep knowledge of radiation effects (SEU/SEL) and mitigation strategies

Leadership in PCBA verification, validation, and qualification for flight hardware

Expert in advanced electronic lab instrumentation and hands-on prototyping for complex system bring-up and troubleshooting

U.S. citizenship required due to government and program security requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Proven track record designing high-reliability aerospace hardware for extreme environments (TVAC, shock, vibration)

Advanced expertise in EMI/EMC compliance, testing, and mitigation for aerospace systems

Mastery of Altium Designer for schematic capture, multi-layer PCB layout, and design reviews

Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and integrating electromechanical systems

Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance

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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (VA Only)

$173,300 — $259,850 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

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