Senior Electrical Engineer I​/II

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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

At Rocket Lab Robotics, we build robotic systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible in space. From Mars‑proven robotic arms to precision motion control systems for the most demanding environments in our solar system, our team delivers advanced electro‑mechanical solutions for planetary exploration and various satellite programs. We’ve engineered hardware that has operated on the surface of Mars on NASA’s Perseverance rover, supported lunar exploration through the CADRE rover program, and developed precision mechanisms for spacecraft subsystems including solar array drives, antenna gimbals, and optical payloads.

As part of Rocket Lab, we combine the focus of small, dedicated robotics teams with the resources of a leading end-to-end space company, empowering some of the boldest missions in history. We’re looking for people who take ownership and drive a problem from first principles all the way through manufacturing and delivery.

Based at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Senior Electrical Engineer I/II will participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for our robotics programs. 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. We’re looking for people who are passionate about robotics electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast‑paced environment.

• End to end ownership of hardware for robotics and motor control applications
• Drive architecture decisions to advance our control algorithms
  • Work with FPGA and Micro‑Controller systems
• Develop PCBA requirements in collaboration with other engineering disciplines
  • PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
  • Own environmental tests including EMI/EMC, TVAC, Shock, Vibe, etc.
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
• Oversight and mentorship of support engineers (layout, analysis, test, etc.)
• Production manufacturing support as needed
• Support failure analysis and root‑cause investigation for units in test, integration, or on‑orbit operation.

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Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Electrical Engineer I or Senior Electrical Engineer II level
)

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of electrical hardware design experience for level I, or 8+ years for level II
• Able to develop "blank sheet of paper" design concepts
• Experience in PCBA design with FPGAs
• Experience in motor control applications
• Experience with analog signal chains
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE
• Proficiency with board bring‑up and debug

• Experience in FPGA firmware design with Verilog, specifically creating IP from scratch
• Experience with Field‑Oriented‑Control
• Experience with switch mode power supplies
• Experience designing electronics for space environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation including…