Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer for Space Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer in Tucson, AZ to lead avionics hardware development for space EO systems. You will guide architecture, design reviews, and complex electronics integration, mentoring teams while ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

You will collaborate across disciplines and drive DFM, test strategies, and environmental qualification programs, leveraging Altium, SPICE, and MATLAB tools. U.S.

Qualifications

• Master’s in electrical engineering or related field.
• 10+ years leading aerospace electrical hardware projects.
• Experience with avionics hardware design for space systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for avionics hardware across lifecycle.
• Drive system architecture for EO sensors in space domains.
• Oversee design and integration of complex electronics (FPGA, MCU, VPX).
• Lead PCB/PCBA standards, reviews and supplier coordination.
• Mentor engineers and ensure security/compliance.

Skills

Electrical hardware design

FPGA

ARM-based systems

Altium Designer

Circuit analysis

System integration

Lab instrumentation

Education

Master’s in electrical engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

SPICE

MATLAB

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer in Tucson, AZ to lead avionics hardware development for space EO systems. You will guide architecture, design reviews, and complex electronics integration, mentoring teams while ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

You will collaborate across disciplines and drive DFM, test strategies, and environmental qualification programs, leveraging Altium, SPICE, and MATLAB tools. U.S.