Lead Avionics Hardware Engineer – Space EO Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock purchase program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead avionics hardware development for advanced electro‑optical systems from requirements through production.

You will architect system electronics, drive FPGA/microcontroller designs, oversee PCBA layout in Altium, and mentor teams while meeting space-grade standards.

This role offers competitive pay, stock purchase options, and comprehensive benefits in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for the full lifecycle of avionics hardware.
• Drive system architecture and technology roadmaps for EO sensors.
• Oversee design and integration of complex electronics (FPGA, microcontroller, ADC/DAC, VPX).
• Architect payload-level designs, mentoring teams and ensuring compliance with standards.
• Establish standards for schematic capture and PCBA layout in Altium Designer.

Skills

Electrical hardware design

FPGA architecture

Embedded software development

System-level integration

Radiation effects mitigation

SPICE/MATLAB analysis

Security clearance readiness

Education

Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Altium Designer

Electronic test equipment

Job description

Rocket Lab in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead avionics hardware development for advanced electro‑optical systems from requirements through production.

You will architect system electronics, drive FPGA/microcontroller designs, oversee PCBA layout in Altium, and mentor teams while meeting space-grade standards.

This role offers competitive pay, stock purchase options, and comprehensive benefits in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.