Harness Design Engineer II/Senior

About The Role

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.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

SPACE SYSTEMS  

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions. 

HARNESS DESIGN ENGINEER II/SENIOR

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Harness Design Engineer II/Seniorwill primarily focus on the design, development, and integration of electrical harnesses for our spacecraft. This includes defining interfaces, selecting components, specifying split locations and lengths, and generating design documentation to support the spacecraft engineering team. The Harness Design Engineer will also collaborate with systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and assembly, integration, and test (AIT) teams to ensure seamless integration of harness systems into our spacecraft.

This role emphasizes electrical engineering principles, including wiring diagram development, interface definition, and electrical system architecture interpretation, while supporting the full lifecycle of harness engineering from design to fabrication and integration. 

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Harness Design Engineer II/Senior Harness Design Engineer I level)  

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Harnessing responsibilities:
• Design and develop electrical harness systems for spacecraft, including connector and backshell selection, wire selection, shielding, and routing.
• Generate wiring diagrams, pinout tables, and interface definitions for harness systems based on spacecraft interconnect diagrams.
• Collaborate with systems engineering to interpret system architecture and define electrical interfaces.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for harness systems in the product lifecycle management (PLM) tool.
• Develop and maintain fabrication drawings and documentation for harness systems using tools such as Capital Essentials, NX, and Teamcenter.
• Support harness fabrication processes, ensuring compliance with space-grade standards and industry best practices.
• Define and verify harness acceptance criteria, including electrical testing and inspection.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and AIT) to ensure proper integration of harnesses into spacecraft.
• Electrical Engineering responsibilities:
• Perform electrical design and analysis to ensure harness systems meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
• Support electrical system schematics and harness design documentation.
• Participate in design reviews, providing technical input and ensuring harness designs meet program requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues related to harness systems during fabrication, integration, and testing.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A HARNESS DESIGN ENGINEER II:  

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
• 2+ years of electrical engineering or avionics experience 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR HARNESS DESIGN ENGINEER I:  

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
• 5+ years of electrical engineering or avionics experience 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
• Experience in the aerospace/defense industry
• Experience supporting satellite development programs and satellite operations
• Proficiency in electrical engineering principles, including power distribution, signal integrity, grounding, and communication systems (e.g., RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus).
• Experience with harness design tools such as Capital Essentials, NX, and Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with industry standards for harness design and fabrication (e.g., NASA-STD-8739.4, IPC/WHMA-A-620).
• Experience with electrical testing of harness systems, including continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, and functional testing.
• Knowledge of thermal and mechanical considerations for harness routing and integration.
• Familiarity with requirement management tools such as JAMA.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise  

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)

$100,000—$155,000 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 View email address on rocketlabcorp.com 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.