HITL Engineer II

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, separati...

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 Develop...

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the HITL Engineer II is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating hardware in the loop (HITL) systems. You will support the HITL Manager, Shared Services and Space Systems organization, with deliverables requested by internal leadership, board of ...

Design, build, operate, and maintain the HITL systems for the Rocket Lab spacecraft buses
Work hands-on with test and flight hardware
Work in a cross-disciplinary team to verify the functionality and performance of the Rocket Lab spacecraft buses
Operate launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions
Make and maintain accurate technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports
Analyze test results from raw data for pass/fail criteria
Troubleshoot root cause from anomalies and communicate the results and path forward with internal team, vendors, and customers
Provide critical review for test plans, procedures, and documentation
Operate and capture data from test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, etc.)

U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field
2+ years of engineering experience with hardware or software development
Experience with electronics testing
Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems
Master’s in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field
Prior experience working on a PIL/HIL test environment or Avionics test
Prior experience with Code Verification and Validation
Ability to understand and create technical documentation via system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, test/anomaly reports
Theoretical and practical understanding of electronic systems
Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines
Familiarity with RS485/422/232, CAN, LVDS protocols
Familiarity with CAD for test fixture and support equipment layout and design
Familiarity with harnessing design and troubleshooting
Strong understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics
Ethernet TCP/IP networking experience: switching, routing and subnetting managed switches
Exposure to spacecraft systems or similar highly complex and autonomous systems
Experience with PLCs, relays, and power systems
Experience with Python, C++, Linux, CI/CD, Git, NX, VeSys, RapidHarness, SolidWorks
Familiarity with containerization technologies, such as Docker, Kubernetes,  VMs, etc.
Experience in designing and building HITL test rigs at Scale
RF Systems experience
Ability to be self-motivated
Strong communication skills

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO