Lead Electrical Engineer, Space Systems & ISR

Rocket Lab USA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA, based in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the electrical engineering team and own the design of space-grade electrical systems for satellite platforms.

The role combines 80% individual contributor work with 20% functional management, requiring deep expertise in high-speed, analog and digital electronics, EMI/EMC, opto-electronics, and design-for-manufacturing within a regulated aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering; 12+ years of electrical hardware experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
• Experience designing electrical systems for space applications including high speed, analog and digital PCBs and interfaces

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design and analysis for space applications
• Mentor and guide the electrical engineering team
• Manage the functional budget and ROI for improvements and tools
• Ensure design quality, gate reviews, and adherence to schedules and cost targets
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate electrical systems into satellite platforms
• Develop documentation, proposals, and technical communications for stakeholders

Skills

Electrical engineering

Team leadership

Budgeting

Mentoring

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering

Tools

Schematic capture

BOM creation

Thermal analysis

Job description

Rocket Lab USA, based in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead the electrical engineering team and own the design of space-grade electrical systems for satellite platforms.

The role combines 80% individual contributor work with 20% functional management, requiring deep expertise in high-speed, analog and digital electronics, EMI/EMC, opto-electronics, and design-for-manufacturing within a regulated aerospace environment.