Rocket Lab

Senior HITL Engineer I

Rocket Lab • $97K — $134K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of engineering experience with hardware or software development
  • Experience with electronics testing
  • Experience designing and implementing electronics test systems

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, operate, and maintain HITL systems for Rocket Lab spacecraft buses
  • Work hands-on with test and flight hardware
  • Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to verify spacecraft functionality and performance
  • Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations
  • Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria
  • Troubleshoot anomalies and communicate results and actions with teams and vendors
  • Maintain accurate technical documentation including system diagrams and test reports

Benefits

  • Company stock included in total compensation package
  • Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount
  • Top-tier medical plans with significant HSA contributions
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and 11 paid holidays
  • Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
  • Paid parental leave and disability/life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Subsidized EV charging and onsite fitness centers
  • Discounted gym memberships and complimentary snacks
  • 50% employee discount on merchandise store items
Full Job Description
SENIOR HITL ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior HITL Engineer I 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 YOU'LL 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.)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR HITL ENGINEER I:
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field
  • 5+ 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:
  • Master's 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 world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll 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)

$111,650-$158,900 USD

Base Salary

$97,600-$134,200 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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