Nasa Planetary Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I/II

At Rocket Lab Robotics, we build robotic systems that push the boundaries of what's possible in space. From Mars-proven robotic arms to precision motion control systems for the most demanding environments in our solar system, our team delivers advanced electro-mechanical solutions for planetary exploration and various satellite programs. We've engineered hardware that has operated on the surface of Mars on NASA's Perseverance rover, supported lunar exploration through the CADRE rover program, and developed precision mechanisms for spacecraft subsystems including solar array drives, antenna gimbals, and optical payloads. As part of Rocket Lab, we combine the focus of small, dedicated robotics teams with the resources of a leading end-to-end space company, empowering some of the boldest missions in history. We're looking for people who take ownership and drive a problem from first principles all the way through manufacturing and delivery.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I/II

Rocket Lab Robotics specializes in high-performance robotic systems and precision mechanisms that enable the most ambitious space missions, including NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover and CADRE lunar rovers. Leveraging Mars-proven expertise from Motiv Space Systems, we deliver scalable, flight-proven solutions - such as robotic arms, motion control systems, and solar array drive assemblies (SADAs) - to support planetary exploration, satellite servicing, and national security missions.

Based at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, CA, the Electrical Engineer I/II you will participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for our robotics programs. You will work collaboratively with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of electrical hardware development, from requirements definition through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production. We're looking for people who are passionate about robotics electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

• Gain experience in robotics and motor control applications.
• Gain experience in FPGA and Micro-Controller applications
• End to end ownership of Electronic Ground Support Equipment
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium Designer
• Circuit analysis, including stress analysis and worst-case analysis
• PCBA design verification testing and system integration testing
• Production manufacturing support as needed

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Electrical Engineer I or Electrical Engineer II level) 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS ELECTRICAL ENGINEER I/II:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering; or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of electrical hardware design experience required for level II
• A strong background in analog electronics design
• Proficiency performing circuit analyses in SPICE and Excel
• Proficiency with basic electronic lab equipment, such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, and soldering irons
• Experience with FPGA design in a professional or school environment
• Experience with Microcontroller design in a professional or school environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience designing for space environments, including radiation impacts and mitigation
• Proficiency with board bring-up and debug
• Experience in creation of design verification test plans and test execution
• Experience in designing for high-reliability aerospace applications
• Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and electromechanical design

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements
• This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.