Senior Electrical Engineer I - Secret Clearance
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 scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change mitigation, national security, and technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.
Our Space Systems team designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. The team has enabled over 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives.
About the role
Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Electrical Engineer I will participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for our spacecraft programs. You will collaborate with engineers across disciplines in all aspects of electrical hardware development, from requirements definition through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production. As part of the spacecraft development team, you will have opportunities to test and operate your systems on-orbit.
Responsibilities
- Develop PCBA requirements in collaboration with other engineering disciplines
- Perform schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
- Conduct circuit analysis, including power, tolerance, and reliability
- Execute PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
- Provide production manufacturing support as needed
Note: This position can be hired at the Senior Electrical Engineer I or Senior Electrical Engineer II level.
Requirements
- 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
Qualifications
- 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 environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation
- Experience designing for high-reliability aerospace applications
- Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and general electromechanical design familiarity
- Experience with FPGA design and embedded software development for ARM core processors
- Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment and managing competing priorities
Work Environment
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.
Pay
Base Pay Range (CA Only): $130,000 USD - $170,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Benefits
- Top tier medical HMO, PPO, and a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
- Dental and vision coverage
- 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
- Paid parental leave
- Disability insurance and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Discounted employee stock purchase program
- Subsidized EV charging stations
- Onsite gym, food, and drinks
- Other discounts
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.