Electrical Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab Corporation; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & vision

401(k) match

Equity

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Pasadena, CA is seeking an Electrical Engineer I/II to contribute to avionics hardware development for robotics programs. You will collaborate across disciplines, from requirements through design, prototyping, testing and production, delivering robust hardware for space robotics.

The role offers hands-on electronics design, FPGA and microcontroller work, end-to-end ownership of ground hardware, with competitive base pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of electrical hardware design experience required for level II
• A strong background in analog electronics design
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses in SPICE and Excel
• Proficiency with basic electronic lab equipment, such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, and soldering irons
• Experience with FPGA design in a professional or school environment
• Experience with Microcontroller design in a professional or school environment

Responsibilities

• Gain experience in robotics and motor control applications.
• Gain experience in FPGA and Micro-Controller applications
• End to end ownership of Electronic Ground Support Equipment
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
• Circuit analysis, including stress analysis and worst-case analysis
• PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
• Production manufacturing support as needed

Skills

Electrical design

FPGA design

Microcontroller design

Circuit analysis

Analog electronics

Soldering

Power electronics

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Oscilloscopes

DMM

Job description

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 rockethas 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.

Rocket Lab Robotics

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.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I/II

Based at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Electrical Engineer I/II you 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:

• Gain experience in robotics and motor control applications.
• Gain experience in FPGA and Micro-Controller applications
• End to end ownership of Electronic Ground Support Equipment
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
• Circuit analysis, including stress analysis and worst-case analysis
• PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
• Production manufacturing support as needed

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

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I/II:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of electrical hardware design experience required for level II
• A strong background in analog electronics design
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses in SPICE and Excel
• Proficiency with basic electronic lab equipment, such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, and soldering irons
• Experience with FPGA design in a professional or school environment
• Experience with Microcontroller design in a professional or school environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience designing for space environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation
• Proficiency with board bring-up and debug
• Experience in creation of design verification test plans and test execution
• Experience in designing for high-reliability aerospace applications
• Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical design

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements
• 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.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings

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)

$83,000 - $126,000 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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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