Electrical Engineer I/II

Rocketlab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA is seeking an Electrical Engineer I/II to participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for robotics programs. You will work across disciplines from requirements through production in a fast-paced environment.

You will contribute to FPGA and microcontroller applications, design and verify PCBA, and support production as needed. This role requires a strong analog electronics background and hands-on lab skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of electrical hardware design experience (level II).
• Strong background in analog electronics design.
• Experience with FPGA and microcontroller design.
• Ability to perform circuit analyses in SPICE and Excel.
• Proficient with basic lab equipment (power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, soldering irons).

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

Analog electronics design

FPGA design

Microcontroller design

Circuit analysis (SPICE, Excel)

Electrical hardware design

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering

Tools

SPICE

Excel

Oscilloscopes

DMMs

Soldering irons

Power supplies

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

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
• 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.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following