Senior Harness Engineer I/II - Secret Clearance

About The Role

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.

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.

Senior Harness Design Engineer I/II

• Design and develop electrical harness systems for spacecraft, including connector and backshell selection, wire selection, shielding, and routing.

• Generate wiring diagrams, pinout tables, and interface definitions for harness systems based on spacecraft interconnect diagrams.

• Collaborate with systems engineering to interpret system architecture and define electrical interfaces.

• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for harness systems in the product lifecycle management (PLM) tool.

• Develop and maintain fabrication drawings and documentation for harness systems using tools such as Capital Essentials, NX, and Teamcenter.

• Define and verify harness acceptance criteria, including electrical testing and inspection.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and AIT) to ensure proper integration of harnesses into spacecraft.

• Electrical Engineering responsibilities: Perform electrical design and analysis to ensure harness systems meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements. Support electrical system schematics and harness design documentation. Participate in design reviews, providing technical input and ensuring harness designs meet program requirements. Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues related to harness systems during fabrication, integration, and testing.

Qualifications

• As a Senior Harness Design Engineer I:

  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree

  • 5+ years of electrical engineering or avionics experience

  • Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI

• As a Senior Harness Design Engineer II:

  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree

  • 8+ years of electrical engineering or avionics experience

  • Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree (nice to have)

• Experience in the aerospace/defense industry (nice to have)

• Experience supporting satellite development programs and satellite operations (nice to have)

• Proficiency in electrical engineering principles, including power distribution, signal integrity, grounding, and communication systems (e.g., RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus.) (nice to have)

• Experience with harness design tools such as Capital Essentials, NX, and Teamcenter. (nice to have)

• Familiarity with industry standards for harness design and fabrication (e.g., NASA-STD-8739.4, IPC/WHMA-A-620.) (nice to have)

• Experience with electrical testing of harness systems, including continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, and functional testing. (nice to have)

• Knowledge of thermal and mechanical considerations for harness routing and integration. (nice to have)

• Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA. (nice to have)

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities. (nice to have)

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $124,000—$189,000 USD

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 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

• Life insurance

• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

• Discounted employee stock purchase program

• Subsidized EV charging stations

• Ongoing professional development opportunities

• Onsite gym

• Food and drinks

• Other discounts