Senior Electrical Engineer I​/II

Senior Electrical Engineer I/II

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.

What You'll Get To Do:

• 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.

You'll Bring These Qualifications As Senior Electrical Engineer I/II:

• 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

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• 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 SEU/SEL impact and mitigation.
• Experience with environmental tests 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 with Librero
• Experience with parametric analysis or sensitivity analysis or worst-case analysis
• Experience with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical design
• Experience with modeling systems such as Simulink

Additional Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements
• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include:
Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$140,000 - $188,000 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.