HITL Engineer II

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.

HITL ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Labs headquarters in Long Beach CA the HITL Engineer II is responsible for designing maintaining and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the HITL Manager Shared Services and Space Systems organization with deliverables requested by internal leadership board of directors and investors.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Design build operate and maintain the HITL systems for the Rocket Lab spacecraft buses
• Work hands-on with test and flight hardware
• Work in a cross-disciplinary team to verify the functionality and performance of the Rocket Lab spacecraft buses
• Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions
• Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams schematics ICDs procedures test/anomaly reports
• Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria
• Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal team vendors and customers
• Provide critical review for test plans procedures and documentation
• Operate and capture data from test equipment (DMMs oscilloscopes logic analyzers spectrum analyzers etc.)

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A HITL ENGINEER II:

• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• Bachelors degree in mechatronics electronics computer science aerospace engineering or related field
• 2 years of engineering experience with hardware or software development
• Experience with electronics testing
• Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters in mechatronics electronics computer science aerospace engineering or related field
• Prior experience working on a PIL/HIL test environment or Avionics test
• Prior experience with Code Verification and Validation
• Ability to understand and create technical documentation via system diagrams schematics ICDs procedures test/anomaly reports
• Theoretical and practical understanding of electronic systems
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines
• Familiarity with RS485/422/232 CAN LVDS protocols
• Familiarity with CAD for test fixture and support equipment layout and design
• Familiarity with harnessing design and troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of sensors signal conditioning and data acquisition electronics
• Ethernet TCP/IP networking experience: switching routing and subnetting managed switches
• Exposure to spacecraft systems or similar highly complex and autonomous systems
• Experience with PLCs relays and power systems
• Experience with Python C Linux CI/CD Git NX VeSys RapidHarness SolidWorks
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker Kubernetes VMs etc.
• Experience in designing and building HITL test rigs at Scale
• RF Systems experience
• Ability to be self-motivated
• Strong communication skills

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function level experience and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$110875 - $156225 USD

Base Salary

$100800 - $138600 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