Senior Electrical Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top tier medical benefits

Equity and 401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick leave

Paid holidays

EV charging stations benefit

Onsite gym and snacks

Job summary

Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer I/II to develop and test avionics hardware for robotics programs. You will own hardware development from requirements through production, collaborating across disciplines in a fast‑paced environment.

We value experience in motor control, FPGA/FPGAs, analog signal chains, and SPICE analysis, with hands‑on PCB layout using Altium Designer and strong debugging skills. US citizenship may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of electrical hardware design experience for level I, or 8+ years for level II.
• Able to develop “blank sheet of paper” design concepts.
• Experience in PCBA design with FPGAs.
• Experience in motor control applications.
• Experience with analog signal chains.
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE.
• Proficiency with board bring-up and debug.

Responsibilities

• End‑to‑end ownership of hardware for robotics and motor control applications.
• Drive architecture decisions to advance our control algorithms; work with FPGA and Micro‑Controller systems.
• Develop PCBA requirements in collaboration with other engineering disciplines.
• PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing.
• Own environmental tests including EMI/EMC, TVAC, Shock, Vibe, etc.
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer.
• Oversight and mentorship of support engineers (layout, analysis, test, etc.).
• Production manufacturing support as needed.
• Support failure analysis and root‑cause investigation for units in test, integration, or on‑orbit operation.

Skills

Electrical hardware design

Motor control applications

Analog signal chains

SPICE circuit analysis

Board bring-up and debug

FPGA firmware design (Verilog)

Schematic capture and PCB layout

Altium Designer

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Simulink

Librero

Job description

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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.

Rocket Lab Robotics

At Rocket Lab Robotics, we build robotic systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible in space. From Mars-proven robotic arms to precision motion‑control systems for the most demanding environments in our solar system, our team delivers advanced electro‑mechanical solutions for planetary exploration and various satellite programs. We’ve engineered hardware that has operated on the surface of Mars on NASA’s Perseverance rover, supported lunar exploration through the CADRE rover program, and developed precision mechanisms for spacecraft subsystems including solar array drives, antenna gimbals, and optical payloads. As part of Rocket Lab, we combine the focus of small, dedicated robotics teams with the resources of a leading end‑to‑end space company, empowering some of the boldest missions in history. We’re looking for people who take ownership and drive a problem from first principles all the way through manufacturing and delivery.

Senior Electrical Engineer I/II

Based at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Senior Electrical Engineer I/II will participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for our robotics programs. You will work collaboratively with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of electrical hardware development, from requirements definition through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production. We’re looking for people who are passionate about robotics electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast‑paced environment.

What You’ll Get To Do

• End‑to‑end ownership of hardware for robotics and motor control applications
• Drive architecture decisions to advance our control algorithms
  • Work with FPGA and Micro‑Controller systems
• Develop PCBA requirements in collaboration with other engineering disciplines
  • PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
  • Own environmental tests including EMI/EMC, TVAC, Shock, Vibe, etc.
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
• Oversight and mentorship of support engineers (layout, analysis, test, etc.)
• Production manufacturing support as needed
• Support failure analysis and root‑cause investigation for units in test, integration, or on‑orbit operation.

Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Electrical Engineer I or Senior Electrical Engineer II level.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I/II

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of electrical hardware design experience for level I, or 8+ years for level II
• Able to develop “blank sheet of paper” design concepts
• Experience in PCBA design with FPGAs
• Experience in motor control applications
• Experience with analog signal chains
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE
• Proficiency with board bring‑up and debug

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• Experience in FPGA firmware design with Verilog, specifically creating IP from scratch
• Experience with Field‑Oriented‑Control
• Experience with switch mode power supplies
• Experience designing electronics for space environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation including SEU/SEL impact and mitigation.
• Experience with environmental tests including TVAC, Shock, Vibe, etc.
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing
• Experience with Altium Designer in schematic capture and layout
• Proficiency with PCBA verification and validation
• Experience with Librero
• Experience with parametric analysis or sensitivity analysis or worst‑case analysis
• Experience with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Experience designing rigid‑flex PCBs and electromechanical design
• Experience with modeling systems such as Simulink

Additional Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements
• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas.

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, 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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $140,000 USD - $188,000 USD

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. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.