Senior Electrical Engineer - Marine Operations

Middle River, MD

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.

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high-assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will provide a cost-effective and reliable launch solution by leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high-performing team and pushing the boundaries with a clean-sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

We are currently seeking an Electrical Engineer based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex in Middle River, Maryland. You will be responsible for the design, specification, analysis, and execution of power distribution, navigation systems, controls, and communications systems on our recovery vessel.

• Serve as the electrical engineering technical expert within the Marine Operations team, enabling recovery and reusability of Neutron
• Design critical electrical infrastructure, including schematics, layout, and routing for power, lighting, navigation, instrumentation, propulsion, and communications systems
• Coordinate with other Rocket Lab engineers to ensure electrical systems are well integrated with the other vessel systems
• Ensure all systems meet regulatory requirements (ABS, USCG, IEC, NFPA, FCC)
• Conduct design reviews to ensure systems meet requirements, identify risks, resource needs, and schedule estimates
• Work onboard the vessel during construction, ensuring build-out meets engineering specifications, and drive future modifications to enable more efficient mission execution
• Collaborate with the marine engineering group for commissioning and sea-trials test planning
• Troubleshoot and validate electrical systems during commissioning
• Oversee the operation, sustainment, troubleshooting, and repair of critical electrical power and control systems
• Build and manage electrical and electronic spares inventory and maintain minimum inventories of those onboard parts and components.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or marine engineering
• 3+ years of experience as an electrical engineer, preferably in the maritime industry, with exposure to large vessels and autonomous or automated vessel systems
• Technical project management experience and the ability to liaise with external suppliers
• Advanced understanding of systems design principles
• Proficient in using EPLAN or comparable electrical CAD software for developing detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts
• Advanced ability to analyze systems, troubleshoot and solve problems, and select and source equipment

• Project management experience in a fast-paced prototype environment
• Detailed knowledge of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages.
• Experience with hands-on projects, including the use of hand tools
• Knowledge of modern industrial communication protocols and network layers, including experience with Modbus (RTU/TCP), Profibus, Ethernet, and serial interfaces (RS-232/RS-485) for control systems
• Experience integrating marine components (hoists, thrusters, winches, radar, etc.)
• Valid and current training certifications as an Electrical or Electronic Technician issued by a recognized…