HITL Engineer I

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Company stock

401(k) retirement plan with company-m­

Medical plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Long Beach, California, is seeking a HITL Engineer I to design, maintain, and operate hardware-in-the-loop systems for spacecraft buses.

The role requires US citizenship, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and hands-on experience with electronics testing and test systems. You will work in a cross-disciplinary team, contribute to flight hardware validation, and support mission-specific simulations.

Qualifications

• US citizenship is required due to program requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• Experience with electronics testing.
• Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, operate, and maintain the HITL systems for the Rocket Lab spacecraft buses
• Work hands-on with test and flight hardware
• Work in a cross-disciplinary team to verify the functionality and performance of the Rocket Lab spacecraft buses
• Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions
• Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports
• Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria
• Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal team, vendors, and customers
• Provide critical review for test plans, procedures, and documentation
• Operate and capture data from test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, etc.)

Skills

US citizenship

Electronics testing

Electronics test systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we\'re not just launching rockets - we\'re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it\'s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

HITL ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab\'s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the HITL Engineer I is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the HITL Manager, Shared Services and Space Systems organization, with deliverables requested by internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design, build, operate, and maintain the HITL systems for the Rocket Lab spacecraft buses


• Work hands-on with test and flight hardware


• Work in a cross-disciplinary team to verify the functionality and performance of the Rocket Lab spacecraft buses


• Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions


• Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports


• Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria


• Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal team, vendors, and customers


• Provide critical review for test plans, procedures, and documentation


• Operate and capture data from test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, etc.)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A HITL ENGINEER I:

• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements


• Bachelor\'s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field


• Experience with electronics testing


• Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master\'s in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field


• Prior experience working on a PIL/HIL test environment or Avionics test
  
• Prior experience with Code Verification and Validation


• Ability to understand and create technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports


• Theoretical and practical understanding of electronic systems


• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines


• Familiarity with RS485/422/232, CAN, LVDS protocols


• Familiarity with CAD for test fixture and support equipment layout and design


• Familiarity with harnessing design and troubleshooting


• Strong understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics


• Ethernet TCP/IP networking experience: switching, routing and subnetting managed switches


• Exposure to spacecraft systems or similar highly complex and autonomous systems


• Experience with PLCs, relays, and power systems


• Experience with Python, C++, Linux, CI/CD, Git, NX, VeSys, RapidHarness, SolidWorks


• Familiarity with containerization technologies, such as Docker, Kubernetes, VMs, etc.


• Experience in designing and building HITL test rigs at Scale


• RF Systems experience


• Ability to be self‑motivated


• Strong communication skills

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world\'s fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you\'ll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$109,950 — $125,325 USD

Base Salary

$82,400 — $113,300 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.

Important information:

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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 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.