Electrical Power Systems Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights

ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You'll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

Neutron is Rocket Lab's new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently under development. The Neutron Avionics department is responsible for the delivery of all avionics systems across the vehicle, including integrated Avionics Hardware, Flight Software and Flight Safety Systems.

The Neutron Avionics Systems team is a hands-on engineering group spanning multiple domains including Electrical Power Systems, Flight Computers, Networking, Harnessing, Remote I/O Interfaces, Data Acquisition, Sensing, Actuation and Control. The team is responsible for the high-level design and architecture of these subsystems, defining their functional and performance requirements, carrying out proof of concept testing, prototyping, system integration, and Integrated Systems Testing (IST).

The Electrical Power Systems Engineer – Neutron Avionics Systems is responsible for the end-to-end development of Neutron's Electrical Power System including: requirements definition, architecture design, prototyping, proof of concept testing, system modelling, power and energy budget, automation, deployment, integrated test, and launch operations support.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Work within multi-disciplinary teams to identify and understand electrical and programmatic requirements for new or updated avionics products.
• Navigate ambiguity and complexity to quickly constrain a problem or trade space, making sound design decisions where needed, and enabling development to progress at pace.
• Define complete system requirements sets that combine technical intent with a flow-down of program requirements and key philosophies, maintaining a clear view of the Minimum Viable Product throughout.
• Lead the execution and development of complex, mission-critical electrical systems, including analysis support such as simulation and modelling activities.
• Conduct development and critical design reviews of specialist electrical equipment required for operating and testing electrical systems during IST and Operations.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline
• 1+ years of relevant industry experience in power systems design, electrical system design, hardware development, or electronics test engineering.
• Proficient in electronics principles and electrical systems, such as power electronics, communication protocols (e.g RS-422, SPI, Ethernet, CAN bus), signal integrity and grounding.
• Professional experience in a fast-paced engineering environment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 1+ years' experience with programming languages, scripting tools, and automation (C/C++ or Python preferred).
• Experience with CAD software packages such as Altium, SolidWorks Electrical, Rapid Harness, VeSys, Capital, ePLAN, or Siemens NX.
• Proficient with instrumentation, interfaces and sensors including power supplies, oscilloscopes, serial devices, and industry standard analog/digital input/output types.
• Experience with design and testing of batteries.

If the above sounds like you apply now

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.