About the Job
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.
The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Developm...
Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and air...
Key Responsibilities
Support the development of system architecture for space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads on airborne and space platforms, with emphasis on electrical architecture and controls integration
Define, decompose, and manage system requirements with focus on electrical behavior, control functions, subsystem interactions, and overall system performance
Develop and maintain technical documentation including architecture descriptions, interface control documents, electrical interface definitions, concepts of operations, state and mode descriptions, test plans, and verification artifacts
Support development of electrical and functional architectures, including command and telemetry flow, power distribution, control logic, signal paths, timing, synchronization, and subsystem interaction
Collaborate with hardware, software, firmware, and test teams to ensure the electrical architecture and controls implementation align with system requirements and mission intent
Support the development, integration, and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
Support hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinements
Participate in hardware and software verification and validation activities related to system behavior, electrical performance, controls implementation, and interface compliance
Support architecture trades involving sensors, motor control, embedded electronics, power systems, command and data handling, and subsystem interfaces
Participate in technical interchange meetings and project discussions with internal teams, customers, and external partners as needed
Identify, assess, and help mitigate technical risks related to electrical architecture, controls implementation, and subsystem integration
Support travel or off-site work as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills & Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
12+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years supporting development programs and 2+ years in technical leadership, CAM, IPTL, or equivalent role
Demonstrated systems engineering experience with emphasis on electrical architecture, subsystem integration, and controls focused development
Strong electrical engineering background supporting complex aerospace, payload, avionics, or instrument systems
Experience developing system requirements, interface definitions, and verification approaches for complex systems
Strong background in electrical interfaces, control functions, avionics integration, or subsystem architecture
Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, DOORS, Cameo, or similar tools
Experience working across hardware, software, and firmware development throughout the lifecycle
Familiarity with command and telemetry interfaces, power architectures, signal interfaces, timing, synchronization, and control logic
Experience supporting integration and test, including troubleshooting electrical or controls-related issues at the subsystem or system level
Strong ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical, interface, and system technical documentation
Familiarity with aerospace development standards, environmental testing, and mission assurance practices
Current SSBI clearance
EO/IR payload integration experience
Experience with spacecraft bus interfaces, payload electrical integration, avionics architecture, or embedded electronics
Experience with pointing, stabilization, gimbals, motion control, focus/control electronics, or other closed-loop control applications
Experience defining or troubleshooting electrical architectures for sensors, actuators, motors, power systems, or embedded controllers
Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level electrical or controls-related issues
Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
Experience in astronomy, physics, or remote sensing
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members
Strong communication, task management, and cross-functional coordination skills
Work Authorization
Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO
