Senior Electrical Engineer II Verified today
About Rocket Lab Robotics
Rocket Lab Robotics builds robotic systems for space exploration, from Mars-proven robotic arms to precision motion control systems. Our work supports planetary exploration and satellite programs, including NASA's Perseverance rover and the CADRE lunar rover program. We deliver electro-mechanical solutions including solar array drives, antenna gimbals, and optical payloads.
The Role
Based in Pasadena, California, you will participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for robotics programs. You will work across multiple engineering disciplines on electrical hardware from requirements definition through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production.
What You'll Do
- Take end-to-end ownership of hardware for robotics and motor-control applications
- Drive architecture decisions that advance control algorithms, including microcontroller-based systems
- Develop PCBA requirements in collaboration with other engineering disciplines
- Perform PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
- Own environmental testing, including EMI/EMC, thermal-vacuum, shock, and vibration testing
- Perform schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
- Provide oversight and mentorship to support engineers on layout, analysis, testing, and related activities
- Lead electronic component and parts selection considering electrical performance, reliability, environmental requirements, availability, lifecycle status, lead time, and cost
- Develop and maintain engineering bills of material and partner with planning, supply chain, and manufacturing teams
- Support sourcing and supplier selection for electronic components, PCBAs, and related hardware
- Drive design for manufacturability and testability with manufacturing and suppliers
- Provide production and manufacturing support as needed
- Support failure analysis and root-cause investigations for units in test, integration, or on-orbit operation
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or another engineering discipline
- 8+ years of electrical hardware design experience
- Ability to develop blank-sheet-of-paper design concepts
- Experience in motor-control applications
- Experience with analog signal chains
- Proficiency performing circuit analyses using SPICE
- Proficiency with board bring-up and debugging
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with field-oriented control
- Experience with switch-mode power supplies
- Experience designing electronics for space environments, including radiation impacts and SEU/SEL mitigation
- Experience with environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum, shock, and vibration testing
- Experience with EMI/EMC testing
- Experience with Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout
- Proficiency with PCBA verification and validation
- Experience with parametric, sensitivity, or worst-case analysis
- Demonstrated expertise selecting electronic components and managing tradeoffs among performance, reliability, availability, lifecycle, lead time, and cost
- Experience supporting BOM development, material planning, supplier sourcing, component alternates, and design-for-manufacturability reviews
- Experience with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and working with electromechanical systems
- Experience with system-modeling tools such as Simulink
Compensation and Benefits
Base pay range (CA only): $151,500 to $252,500 USD. Compensation includes company stock as part of total compensation package. Benefits include Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero cost HDHP with 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, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and various employee discounts.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.