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Salary: USD 108,800 - 149,600 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join the Marine Operations team at the Space Structures Complex in Middle River, Maryland. This role is central to enabling the recovery and reusability of Neutron, Rocket Lab's medium-lift reusable launch vehicle.
You will serve as the electrical engineering technical expert within Marine Operations, responsible for the design, specification, analysis, and execution of power distribution, navigation systems, controls, and communications systems on Rocket Lab's recovery vessel. Your work will span the full lifecycle from design through operational deployment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design critical electrical infrastructure including schematics, layout, and routing for power, lighting, navigation, instrumentation, propulsion, and communications systems
- Coordinate with other Rocket Lab engineers to ensure electrical systems integrate seamlessly with vessel systems
- Ensure all systems meet regulatory requirements (ABS, USCG, IEC, NFPA, FCC)
- Conduct design reviews to identify risks, resource needs, and schedule estimates
- Work onboard the vessel during construction to ensure build-out meets engineering specifications
- Drive future modifications to enable more efficient mission execution
- Collaborate with the marine engineering group for commissioning and sea-trials test planning
- Troubleshoot and validate electrical systems during commissioning
- Oversee operation, sustainment, troubleshooting, and repair of critical electrical power and control systems
- Build and manage electrical and electronic spares inventory
This is a hands-on role requiring both technical depth and practical problem-solving in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
QUALIFICATIONS (Required):
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or marine engineering
- 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
- Proficient in EPLAN or comparable electrical CAD software for developing detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts
- Advanced ability to analyze systems, troubleshoot and solve problems, and select and source equipment
QUALIFICATIONS (Nice to Have):
- 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 (Modbus RTU/TCP, Profibus, Ethernet, RS-232/RS-485)
- Experience integrating marine components (hoists, thrusters, winches, radar, etc.)
- Valid and current training certifications as an Electrical or Electronic Technician from a recognized authority
- At least two years of experience working on vessels of comparable size and mission duration, or in similar industrial settings
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency due to ITAR regulations governing space technology exports.
