Lead Avionics Engineer - Space Optical Systems

Energy Jobline ZR; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead avionics hardware development for advanced electro-optical systems. You will drive architecture, oversee PCB/FPGA design, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver reliable space hardware.

This role demands hands-on design, testing, and maturation from requirements through production with security-focused practices. Lead a multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced space environment, mentor engineers, and

Qualifications

• Lead PCBA requirements development across cross-functional teams.
• Define system objectives and align with architecture roadmap.
• Experience with avionics hardware design and test.
• Familiarity with industry standards and security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for avionics hardware across the full lifecycle.
• Drive system architecture and roadmaps for EO sensors.
• Oversee design and integration of electronics (FPGA, MCU, ADC/DAC, VPX).
• Review payload-level designs and mentor engineering teams.
• Establish design standards for schematic capture and PCBA layouts.

Skills

Technical leadership

System architecture

Electronics design

FPGA

Altium Designer

Security compliance

Mentoring teams

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead avionics hardware development for advanced electro-optical systems. You will drive architecture, oversee PCB/FPGA design, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver reliable space hardware.

This role demands hands-on design, testing, and maturation from requirements through production with security-focused practices. Lead a multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced space environment, mentor engineers, and