Principal Integration & Test Engineer

Futureshaper.com; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the aerospace sector is seeking a Principal Integration & Test Engineer to join their innovative team. This role involves leading integration and test campaigns for cutting-edge spacecraft systems, ensuring the highest quality and reliability for missions to the Moon and Mars. You will collaborate with a talented group of engineers and technicians, developing and maintaining test systems while interfacing with advanced software and hardware. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking space missions and be part of a company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology. If you're passionate about aerospace and ready for a challenge, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Top tier medical HMO, PPO

100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option

Dental and vision coverage

3 weeks paid vacation

5 days sick leave per year

11 paid holidays per year

Flexible spending accounts

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Onsite gym

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in test engineering or hands-on engineering role.
• Experience with environmental testing like thermal vacuum or vibration testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration and test campaigns for spacecraft development.
• Develop acceptance and qualification test plans for spacecraft systems.

Skills

C

C++

Python

MATLAB

Technical Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Windows 10

Microsoft Office

3D CAD Software (preferably NX)

Electrical Test Equipment

Job description

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

PRINCIPAL INTEGRATION & TEST ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Principal Integration & Test Engineer is responsible for the development, test, and deployment of flight spacecraft systems, as well as the development, maintenance, and upgrading of the test systems for that hardware. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead and own integration and test campaigns at various levels of spacecraft development
• Work collaboratively with team members to define systems requirements, as well as verification and validation plans
• Develop acceptance, qualification, and R&D test plans for spacecraft systems
• Develop, maintain, and operate environmental test systems (Vibe, TVAC, Thermal, EMI, etc.)
• Develop and maintain mechanical and electrical ground support equipment and facilities
• Interface with ground test software and implement flight software configuration changes
• Lead investigations into anomalous vehicle behavior
• Interface with hardware-in-the-loop test systems

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering degree
• 12+ years of experience in a test engineering or other hands-on engineering role
• Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration testing
• Proficiency with C, C++, Python, or MATLAB; and Windows 10 and Microsoft Office products
• Experience in writing technical documentation, such as procedures, reports, and requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering degree
• 4+ years of professional experience as a test engineer in the aerospace industry
• Strong understanding of satellite subsystems (CDH, ADCS, EPS, and COMM)
• Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment
• Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.)
• Exposure to designing and implementing test systems for electronics
• Understanding of sensors, signal conditioning and data acquisition electronics
• Familiarity with spacecraft harness design and best practices
• Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably NX
• Experience with RF testing and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Basic knowledge of networking
• Experience with Linux systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel up to 25%, both domestic and international, to support spacecraft integration and test activities
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

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.

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.