Senior Electrical Engineer I - Marine Operations

Rocket Lab•Middle River, MD

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to support Marine Operations for the Neutron program. The role is based at Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex in Middle River, Maryland, and focuses on designing, specifying, analyzing, and executing electrical power distribution, navigation, controls, and communications systems for the Neutron recovery vessel. The engineer will serve as the Marine Operations team’s electrical engineering technical expert, supporting critical vessel infrastructure from design through construction, commissioning, sea trials, operation, and sustainment. The position involves coordinating system integration with other engineering teams, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, troubleshooting and validating systems, and maintaining onboard electrical and electronic spares. The role may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Rocket Lab offers competitive base pay and company stock, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or marine engineering.
At least 3 years of experience as an electrical engineer, preferably in the maritime industry, with exposure to large vessels and autonomous or automated vessel systems.
Technical project management experience and ability to liaise with external suppliers.
Advanced understanding of systems design principles.
Proficiency with EPLAN or comparable electrical CAD software for detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
Advanced ability to analyze systems, troubleshoot and solve problems, and select and source equipment.

Nice To Haves

Project management experience in a fast-paced prototype environment.
Detailed knowledge of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages.
Experience with hands-on projects, including use of hand tools.
Knowledge of modern industrial communication protocols and network layers, including Modbus (RTU/TCP), Profibus, Ethernet, and serial interfaces (RS-232/RS-485) for control systems.
Experience integrating marine components such as hoists, thrusters, winches, and radar.
Valid and current training certifications as an Electrical or Electronic Technician issued by a recognized authority.
At least two years of experience working on vessels of comparable size and mission duration, or in a similar industrial setting requiring equivalent qualifications and operational expertise.

Responsibilities

Serve as the electrical engineering technical expert within the Marine Operations team, enabling recovery and reusability of Neutron.
Design and support critical vessel electrical infrastructure, including schematics, layouts, and routing for power, lighting, navigation, instrumentation, propulsion, and communications systems.
Coordinate with Rocket Lab engineers to integrate electrical systems with other vessel systems.
Ensure systems meet applicable regulatory requirements, including ABS, USCG, IEC, NFPA, and FCC requirements.
Conduct design reviews to assess requirements, identify risks and resource needs, and estimate schedules.
Work onboard the vessel during construction to ensure the build meets engineering specifications and drive modifications that improve mission execution.
Collaborate with the marine engineering group on commissioning and sea-trial test planning.
Troubleshoot and validate electrical systems during commissioning.
Oversee the operation, sustainment, troubleshooting, and repair of critical electrical power and control systems.
Build and manage the electrical and electronic spares inventory and maintain minimum onboard inventories.