SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER IIRocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community 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, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
As a Senior Electrical Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to support the development and test of avionics hardware for our electro-optical optical 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!
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Hardware Design & Architecture- Own complete lifecycle of avionics hardware for command and control of electro-optical systems
- Lead 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 level
- Develop Payload level designs integrating motor controllers, processing units, imagers, and cryptographic devices
- Perform schematic capture and PCBA layout using Altium Designer
Requirements & Verification- Develop PCBA requirements through cross-functional collaboration with systems, mechanical, thermal, optical and software teams
- Plan and execute design verification testing and system integration testing
- Own environmental qualification programs including EMI/EMC, TVAC, shock, vibration, and other mission-specific tests
- Support failure analysis and root-cause investigations for units in test, integration, or on-orbit operations
Leadership & Collaboration- Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior engineers and support staff (layout, analysis, test technicians)
- Interface with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders
- Support production manufacturing including DFM reviews, yield improvement, and process optimization
- Participate in design reviews and present technical recommendations to leadership
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
- 8+ years of electrical hardware design experience
- Able to develop "blank sheet of paper" design concepts
- Experience in PCBA design with FPGAs
- Knowledge with processors, FPGAs, switch mode power supplies, communication interfaces and analog instrumentation
- A strong background in analog electronics design
- Proficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE and Excel
- S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- Master's or PhD in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
- Proficiency 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 mitigation
- Experience designing for high-reliability aerospace applications including TVAC, Shock, Vibe, etc.
- Experience with EMI/EMC testing
- Experience with Altium Designer in schematic capture and layout
- Proficiency with PCBA verification and validation
- Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical design familiarity in general
- Experience with FPGA design and embedded software development for ARM core processors
- Demonstrated success in working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities
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.
WHAT 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.
