Senior Electrical Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer II to lead avionics hardware development for electro-optical systems. You will own the full hardware lifecycle from requirements through design, prototyping, testing and production, collaborating with diverse engineering teams.

The role emphasizes FPGA-rich PCBA design, analog electronics and system integration to support space-enabled missions.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Own complete lifecycle of avionics hardware for command and control of electro-optical systems.
• Lead architecture decisions to advance EO sensor capabilities across missions.
• Design and integrate complex electronics including FPGA, microcontroller, ADC/DAC, VPX systems.
• Develop Payload level designs integrating controllers, processing units, imagers, and cryptographic devices.
• Perform schematic capture and PCBA layout using Altium Designer.
• Develop PCBA requirements with cross-functional teams.
• Plan and execute design verification testing and system integration testing.
• Support production manufacturing and DFM reviews.

Skills

Avionics hardware design

FPGA design

Electronics circuit analysis

Leadership / mentoring

S. citizenship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering

Master’s or PhD (nice to have)

Tools

Altium Designer

SPICE

Excel

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER II

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Electrical Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support the development and test of avionics hardware for our electro-optical optical systems. In this role 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. To be successful in this role, you must be passionate about avionics electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Hardware Design & Architecture

• 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

Requirements & Verification

• 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
• 8+ years of electrical hardware design experience
• Able 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
• A strong background in analog electronics design
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE and Excel
• S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
• Proficiency with basic electronic lab equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, soldering irons, etc.
• Experience designing electronics for space environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation including SEU/SEL impact and mitigation
• Experience designing for high-reliability aerospace applications 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 designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical design familiarity in general
• Experience with FPGA design and embedded software development for ARM core processors
• Demonstrated success in working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role.You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, andcan purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (VA Only)

$134,300 - $201,350 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.

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 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.