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Rocket Lab Robotics, part of Rocket Lab's Space Systems division, is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to develop avionics hardware for high-performance robotic systems used in planetary exploration and satellite servicing missions. The role is based in Pasadena, CA, and offers end-to-end ownership of electrical hardware for robotics and motor control applications.
You will drive architecture decisions for control algorithms, working with FPGA and microcontroller systems. Key responsibilities include developing PCBA requirements in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, conducting design verification and system integration testing, and owning environmental testing (EMI/EMC, TVAC, shock, vibration). You will use Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout, provide oversight and mentorship to support engineers, support manufacturing, and lead failure analysis and root-cause investigations for units in test or on-orbit operation.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or related engineering discipline; 5+ years of electrical hardware design experience (for Senior I level) or 8+ years (for Senior II level); demonstrated ability to develop "blank sheet of paper" designs; PCBA design experience with FPGAs; motor control application experience; analog signal chain expertise; SPICE circuit analysis proficiency; and board bring-up and debug skills.
Desirable experience includes FPGA firmware design with Verilog, Field-Oriented-Control, switch-mode power supplies, space electronics design with radiation mitigation knowledge, environmental testing (TVAC, shock, vibe), EMI/EMC testing, Altium Designer expertise, PCBA verification and validation, and parametric/sensitivity/worst-case analysis.
Rocket Lab has enabled over 1,700 space missions, including work on NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover and CADRE lunar rovers, partnering with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
