Senior HITL Engineer: Spacecraft Test & Validation

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase program

Stock options

Health/dental/vision plans

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Commuter/retirement perks

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior HITL Engineer I to design, maintain, and operate hardware-in-the-loop systems for spacecraft buses. You will work hands-on with test hardware and collaborate across Space Systems to verify performance and reliability.

The role requires 5+ years in engineering with hardware/software and familiarity with electronics test systems; Unix/Linux, Python, C++, and CI/CD experience are valued. Equity and a strong compensation package accompany base pay.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, CS, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience with hardware or software development.
• Experience with electronics testing.
• Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, operate, and maintain HITL systems for Rocket Lab spacecraft buses.
• Work hands-on with test and flight hardware.
• Verify functionality and performance in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Operate Day of Launch simulations for specific missions.
• Create and maintain technical docs (diagrams, ICDs, procedures).
• Analyze test results for pass/fail criteria.
• Troubleshoot root causes and communicate findings.
• Provide critical review for test plans and procedures.
• Capture data from test equipment (DMMs, scopes, analyzers).

Skills

HITL

Python

C++

Linux

CI/CD

Git

NX

RapidHarness

SolidWorks

Electrical testing

DMMs/oscilloscopes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics/electronics/computer science/aerospace engineering

Master’s degree (nice to have)

Tools

CAN/LVDS protocols

RS485/422/232

test rigs hardware-in-the-loop tools

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior HITL Engineer I to design, maintain, and operate hardware-in-the-loop systems for spacecraft buses. You will work hands-on with test hardware and collaborate across Space Systems to verify performance and reliability.

The role requires 5+ years in engineering with hardware/software and familiarity with electronics test systems; Unix/Linux, Python, C++, and CI/CD experience are valued. Equity and a strong compensation package accompany base pay.