Electrical Engineer I

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company that builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected and protected, and that extend humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The team moves fast, builds real hardware for meaningful missions, and works to make the impossible routine.

Space Systems

The Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and the components that help them operate in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The team has supported more than 1,700 missions, from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. Its partners include NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Rocket Lab Robotics

Rocket Lab Robotics builds robotic systems and precision motion control for demanding environments across the solar system. Its hardware has operated on the surface of Mars on NASA's Perseverance rover, supported lunar exploration through the CADRE rover program, and flown precision mechanisms such as solar array drives, antenna gimbals, and optical payloads. The team is looking for people who take ownership of a problem from first principles through manufacturing and delivery.

The Role

As an Electrical Engineer I, you will take part in the development and testing of avionics hardware for robotics programs. You will work with engineers from many disciplines and contribute to every stage of electrical hardware development, from requirements definition through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production. The role suits someone passionate about robotics electrical hardware design who is willing to learn in a fast-paced environment.

What You Will Do

• Gain experience in robotics and motor control applications.
• Gain experience in FPGA and microcontroller applications.
• Take end-to-end ownership of Electronic Ground Support Equipment.
• Complete schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer.
• Perform circuit analysis, including stress and worst-case analysis.
• Run PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing.
• Support production manufacturing as needed.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing for space environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation.
• Proficiency with board bring-up and debug.
• Experience creating design verification test plans and executing them.
• Experience designing for high-reliability aerospace applications.
• Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical systems.

Benefits and Perks

Total compensation includes base pay and company stock, with an anticipated equity grant that depends on function, level, and experience. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with an HSA 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) with company match. Perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, discounted gym memberships, snacks and beverages, and a 50% employee discount on merchandise.

This position may involve long periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.