HITL Engineer I/II

, , New Zealand

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!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

HITL ENGINEER I/II

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the HITL Engineer I/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 directors, and investors.

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

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Design, 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.)

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS HITL ENGINEER I:

Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field

Engineering experience with hardware or software development

Experience with electronics testing

Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS HITL ENGINEER II:

Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field

2+ years of engineering experience with hardware, software or electronics testing development

Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems

Meticulous with configuration management and documentation

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Master’s or PhD in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field

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

Strong understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics

Ethernet TCP/IP networking experience: switching, routing and subnetting

Ability to be self-motivated

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

Previous HIL/PIL experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation , holidays , and sick leave ; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$75,000 — $130,000 USD

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.

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. Learn more about ITAR here .

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 Biow at [email protected]. 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. For more information on these Regulations, click hereITAR Regulations.

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