Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer - EO Systems

rocketlab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer II to lead avionics hardware development for EO systems. You will own the complete lifecycle from requirements through design, prototyping, testing, and production.

Join a Space Systems team delivering high-performance spacecraft components for DoD and IC programs, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and influence architecture decisions across LEO, GEO, and Cis-Lunar missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of electrical hardware design experience.
• Ability to develop blank sheet of paper design concepts.
• Experience in PCBA design with FPGAs.
• Knowledge with processors, FPGAs, switch mode power supplies, communication interfaces and analog instrumentation.
• Strong background in analog electronics design.
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE and Excel.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own complete lifecycle of avionics hardware for command and control of electro-optical systems.
• Lead architecture decisions to advance EO sensor capabilities across LEO, GEO, and Cis-Lunar missions.
• Design and integrate complex electronics including FPGA, microcontroller, low-noise ADC/DAC, and VPX systems at CCA/module level.
• Develop Payload level designs integrating motor controllers, processing units, imagers, and cryptographic devices.
• Perform schematic capture and PCBA layout using Altium Designer.
• Develop PCBA requirements through cross-functional collaboration with systems, mechanical, thermal, optical and software teams.
• Plan and execute design verification testing and system integration testing.
• Own environmental qualification programs including EMI/EMC, TVAC, shock, vibration, and other mission-specific tests.
• Support failure analysis and root-cause investigations for units in test, integration, or on-orbit operations.
• Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior engineers and support staff (layout, analysis, test technicians).
• Interface with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Support production manufacturing including DFM reviews, yield improvement, and process optimization.
• Participate in design reviews and present technical recommendations to leadership.

Skills

Electrical hardware design

FPGA design

Processors & FPGAs

Analog electronics

SPICE analysis

PCB design

U.S. citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering

Master's or PhD in electrical or computer engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

SPICE

Excel

Oscilloscope

DMM

Signal generators

Soldering irons

Job description

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer II to lead avionics hardware development for EO systems. You will own the complete lifecycle from requirements through design, prototyping, testing, and production.

Join a Space Systems team delivering high-performance spacecraft components for DoD and IC programs, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and influence architecture decisions across LEO, GEO, and Cis-Lunar missions.