Senior Electrical Engineer II

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.

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

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.

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)

$134,300 — $201,350 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.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

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