Lead Space Electrical Engineer & Team Leader

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead a team of engineers focused on designing and validating electrical systems for space missions. The role emphasizes leadership, architecture, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver high‑reliability payload electronics.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years of electrical hardware experience, EMI/EMC discipline expertise, and a strong track record in taking projects from concept to full production in AS9100 environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering or related field.
• Extensive experience in electrical hardware for space applications.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent management and leadership abilities.
• Experience mentoring technical teams and guiding cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
• Experience migrating from R&D to production in AS9100/ISO9001 environments.
• Proficiency in EMI/EMC design guidelines and high‑speed digital/analog circuits.
• Background in opto‑electronics and high‑gain optical circuitry.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of electrical engineers in a high‑performance environment.
• Provide technical guidance for electrical system architecture and design for space applications.
• Oversee electronics design, including digital/analog PCB work and interface with buses.
• Manage budgets and ROI assessments for process improvements or tool development.
• Support gate reviews and peer reviews to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, and systems engineers for integrated solutions.
• Document progress through technical reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Ensure mission assurance and compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.
• Drive design for manufacturing and seamless handoff to production.
• Develop metrics to track engineering progress and risk management strategies.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline

12+ years of electrical hardware experience

Job description

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead a team of engineers focused on designing and validating electrical systems for space missions. The role emphasizes leadership, architecture, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver high‑reliability payload electronics.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years of electrical hardware experience, EMI/EMC discipline expertise, and a strong track record in taking projects from concept to full production in AS9100 environments.