Senior Avionics Hardware Architect

rocketlab; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer at our Chantilly, VA site to lead avionics hardware development and test for electro-optical systems. You will drive architectures and mentor teams across disciplines, delivering mission-critical electronics for space missions.

Join a fast-paced environment in a company collaborating with DoD/IC customers and industry partners, contributing to high-reliability aerospace programs and scalable sensing solutions.

Qualifications

• Master’s in electrical engineering or related discipline.
• 12+ years of progressive electrical hardware design experience in aerospace.
• Ability to architect and deliver innovative mission-critical designs.
• Extensive experience in high-speed digital and mixed-signal circuits.

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 and review payload-level designs with mentors and reviews.
• Lead critical design reviews and advise leadership on technical decisions.

Skills

Electrical hardware design leadership

System architecture aerospace

High-speed digital & mixed-signal

PCB design proficiency

Education

Master's in electrical engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer at our Chantilly, VA site to lead avionics hardware development and test for electro-optical systems. You will drive architectures and mentor teams across disciplines, delivering mission-critical electronics for space missions.

Join a fast-paced environment in a company collaborating with DoD/IC customers and industry partners, contributing to high-reliability aerospace programs and scalable sensing solutions.