Electrical Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys 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

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I

At Rocket Lab Robotics we build robotic systems that push the boundaries of whats 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. Weve engineered hardware that has operated on the surface of Mars on NASAs 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. Were looking for people who take ownership and drive a problem from first principles all the way through manufacturing and delivery.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I

Rocket Lab Robotics specializes in high-performance robotic systems and precision mechanisms that enable the most ambitious space missions including NASAs Mars Perseverance Rover and CADRE lunar rovers. Leveraging Mars-proven expertise from Motiv Space Systems we deliver scalable flight-proven solutions such as robotic arms motion control systems and solar array drive assemblies (SADAs) to support planetary exploration satellite servicing and national security missions.

Based at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena CA the Electrical Engineer I you 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. Were looking for people who are passionate about robotics electrical hardware design with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Gain experience in robotics and motor control applications.
• Gain experience in FPGA and Micro-Controller applications
• End to end ownership of Electronic Ground Support Equipment
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
• Circuit analysis including stress analysis and worst-case analysis
• PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
• Production manufacturing support as needed

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degree in electrical or computer engineering
• GPA of 3.0 or above
• A strong background in analog electronics design
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses in SPICE and Excel
• Proficiency with basic electronic lab equipment such as power supplies oscilloscopes DMMs signal generators and soldering irons
• Experience with FPGA design in a professional or school environment
• Experience with Microcontroller design in a professional or school environment
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience designing for space environments including radiation impacts and mitigation
• Proficiency with board bring-up and debug
• Experience in creation of design verification test plans and test execution
• Experience in designing for high-reliability aerospace applications
• Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical design

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.

Join one of the worlds fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of addition to competitive base pay youll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites groundbreaking missions and global markets your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock) top-tier medical plans (HMO PPO and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution) dental and vision coverage paid vacation and sick time 11 paid holidays flexible spending and dependent care accounts paid parental leave disability and life insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging onsite fitness centers (where available) discounted gym memberships complimentary snacks and beverages 50% employee discount on our popular merch store and a variety of other employee discounts.

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 Pay Range (CA Only)

$88000 - $132000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.

Required Experience:

IC