Senior Electrical Engineer II

Senior Electrical Engineer IITucson, AZRocket 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.At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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 them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) 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, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.As a Senior Electrical Engineer II based at our Rocket Lab Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to support the development and test of avionics hardware for our electro-optical (EO) 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!The role's responsibilitiesHardware Design & ArchitectureOwn complete lifecycle of avionics hardware for command and control of electro-optical systemsLead 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 levelDevelop Payload level designs integrating motor controllers, processing units, imagers, and cryptographic devicesPerform schematic capture and PCBA layout using Altium DesignerRequirements & VerificationDevelop PCBA requirements through cross-functional collaboration with systems, mechanical, thermal, optical and software teamsPlan and execute design verification testing and system integration testingOwn environmental qualification programs including EMI/EMC, TVAC, shock, vibration, and other mission-specific testsSupport failure analysis and root-cause investigations for units in test, integration, or on-orbit operationsLeadership & CollaborationProvide technical oversight and mentorship to junior engineers and support staff (layout, analysis, test technicians)Interface with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholdersSupport production manufacturing including DFM reviews, yield improvement, and process optimizationParticipate in design reviews and present technical recommendations to leadershipYou'll Bring These Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline8+ years of electrical hardware design experienceAble to develop "blank sheet of paper" design conceptsExperience in PCBA design with FPGAsKnowledge with processors, FPGAs, switch mode power supplies, communication interfaces and analog instrumentationA strong background in analog electronics designProficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE and ExcelU.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirementsThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Master's or PhD in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering disciplineProficiency 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 mitigationExperience designing for high-reliability aerospace applications including TVAC, Shock, Vibe, etc.Experience with EMI/EMC testingExperience with Altium Designer in schematic capture and layoutProficiency with PCBA verification and validationExperience designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical design familiarity in generalExperience with FPGA design and embedded software development for ARM core processorsDemonstrated success in working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing prioritiesWhat To ExpectWe'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.