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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER I/II

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Electrical Systems Engineer I/II is responsible for systems engineering in support of our programs and projects. Since this role has an electrical focus, you will assist in the execution of electrical engineering activities for our spacecraft and space systems components. This includes managing electrical designs, creating interconnect diagrams, and assisting with the testing of spacecraft electrical systems and space components to ensure overall mission success.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Electrical Systems Engineer I or Electrical Systems Engineer II level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and maintain:
• Technical budgets for vehicle performance
• System requirements and verification techniques
• Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
• Test methods and data analysis
• Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
• Assist with program and product management
• Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents
• Electrical responsibilities:
• Create interconnect diagrams
• Perform trade studies and evaluations to optimize spacecraft avionics systems for performance, reliability, manufacturability, testability, and programmatic lead-times
• Develop test plans and procedures for avionics subsystems and components
• Perform or support design tasks such as harness routing, wiring schematics, and connector, backshell, and wire selection
• Work in multi-disciplinary teams to identify and understand electrical and programmatic requirements for new changes
• Conduct peer review for electrical system schematics, harness designs, and other documentation

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
• Experience with electrical engineering or avionics

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
• 2 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
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated components, including: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
• Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
• Experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the loop (HITL) testing
• Proficiency in electronics principles and electrical systems, including power electronics, communication systems (e.g RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus), signal integrity, and grounding
• Proficiency with instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors, including: power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and 4-20mA sensors
• 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.

PAY RANGE:

Electrical Systems Engineer I: $70,000 - $105,000

Electrical Systems Engineer II: $85,000 - $130,000

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 
In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation package based on individual qualifications and experience, which may include cash or equity incentives. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program.