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Rocket Lab Optical Systems, part of the end-to-end space company Rocket Lab, is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer II to support the development and test of avionics hardware for electro-optical (EO) systems serving Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Based in Tucson, AZ, you will own the complete lifecycle of avionics hardware for command and control of EO systems, from requirements definition through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production.
Key responsibilities include:
Hardware Design & Architecture: Lead architecture decisions to advance EO sensor capabilities across LEO, GEO, and Cis-Lunar missions. Design and integrate complex electronics including FPGA, microcontroller, low-noise ADC/DAC, and VPX systems at CCA/module level. Develop payload-level designs integrating motor controllers, processing units, imagers, and cryptographic devices. Perform schematic capture and PCBA layout using Altium Designer.
Requirements & Verification: Develop PCBA requirements through cross-functional collaboration with systems, mechanical, thermal, optical, and software teams. Plan and execute design verification testing and system integration testing. Own environmental qualification programs including EMI/EMC, TVAC, shock, vibration, and mission-specific tests. Support failure analysis and root-cause investigations for units in test, integration, or on-orbit operations.
Leadership & Collaboration: Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior engineers and support staff. Interface with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders. Support production manufacturing including DFM reviews, yield improvement, and process optimization. Participate in design reviews and present technical recommendations to leadership.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering (or related discipline); 8+ years of electrical hardware design experience; ability to develop "blank sheet of paper" design concepts; PCBA design experience with FPGAs; knowledge of processors, FPGAs, switch mode power supplies, communication interfaces, and analog instrumentation; strong background in analog electronics design; proficiency with SPICE and Excel circuit analysis; U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.
Desirable qualifications include Master's or PhD in electrical or computer engineering, experience with space-qualified components, and familiarity with military/aerospace standards.
