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← Rocket Lab Corporation

Principal Electrical Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation
Location
Chantilly, VA
Posted
16 days ago
Department
106 OS - Design Engineering
What they actually want (must-haves)
  • Master’s in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent advanced experience)
  • 12+ years of progressive electrical hardware design experience in aerospace or related high-reliability industries
  • Proven ability to architect and deliver innovative design solutions for mission-critical aerospace systems
  • Extensive experience in advanced PCBA design, including high-speed digital and mixed-signal circuits with FPGAs, ASICs, and microcontrollers
  • Deep expertise in FPGA architecture and embedded software development for ARM-based systems
  • Strong analog electronics design with a track record of delivering high-performance, low-noise solutions for aerospace applications
Nice to have
  • Proven track record designing high-reliability aerospace hardware for extreme environments
  • Advanced expertise in EMI/EMC compliance, testing, and mitigation for aerospace systems
  • Mastery of Altium Designer for schematic capture, multi-layer PCB layout, and design reviews
  • Experience designing rigid-flex PCBs and integrating electromechanical systems
  • Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
What the job really is

As a Principal Electrical Engineer at Rocket Lab, you will lead the development and testing of avionics hardware for electro-optical systems, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams throughout the entire hardware lifecycle. Your responsibilities will include overseeing design and integration of complex electronics, establishing verification strategies, and providing technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams. This role is pivotal in driving innovative solutions for mission-critical aerospace systems.

Benefits
  • Base salary range of $173,300 — $259,850 USD
  • Eligibility for company stock or cash incentives
  • Discounted stock purchase through Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan options
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Things to weigh
  • No specific mention of the technology stack or tools beyond Altium Designer and industry-standard tools
  • The role requires U.S. citizenship due to government security requirements, which may limit applicant pool
  • The position may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer work, which could impact work-life balance
Job score3.6/5
Benefits4/5
Freshness4/5
Career value5/5
Role clarity5/5
Pay transparency0/5

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