Principal Electrical Engineer TS/SCI

Rocket Lab Corporation • Tucson, AZ

81d

About The Position

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of electrical hardware experience.
• An active U.S. Government Security Clearance and the ability to obtain a TS/SCI.
• Demonstrable experience in electrical engineering, with a strong focus on designing and developing electrical systems for space applications.
• Extensive design experience in meeting rigid EMI/EMC guidelines.
• Design experience with opto-electronics background in low-noise, high gain opto-electronic circuitry.
• Design experience with ability to migrate from R&D to Full Scale Production within a well-regulated AS9100 (ISO 9001) environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring technical teams.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or PhD in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline.
• Experience designing for space environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation.
• Experience designing for high-reliability aerospace applications.
• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment and ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of electrical engineers by fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and support the professional development of team members.
• Manage the functional budget, generate ROI assessments for discretionary efforts such as process improvements or tool development.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to the electrical engineering team.
• Lead and participate in the design, analysis, and optimization of electrical systems for space applications.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, optical engineers, and systems engineers.
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation, technical proposals, and presentations.
• Implement and support rigorous quality control measures throughout the electrical engineering process.
• Establish processes and design guidelines to support seamless handoff to production.
• Develop and measure a strong set of metrics for engineering development activities.
• Identify and assess potential risks and challenges in electrical design and development projects.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees