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Electrical Engineer II

Wallops Island, Virginia, United States

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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!

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER II

As an Electrical Engineer II with our Ground Systems Engineering team, you will be responsible for the design, build, testing and commissioning of launch range systems and test sites for our Electron, HASTE and Neutron programs. You will work on everything from power generation to launch vehicle communications. You will also be involved in project planning and working closely with technicians to ensure projects are delivered on time and to specification. We are looking for engineers from a variety of backgrounds including power and controls, industrial installation, and automation. As an Engineer on the team, you will carry out projects from conception to delivery.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:   

  • With minimal supervision, design, draft, and analyze launch range electrical systems including but not limited to: 
    • Power systems: generators, UPS, switch gear, distribution, monitoring 
    • Lightning protection and site grounding 
    • Data and IT systems: cabling, wiring, routing, rack layout 
    • Control systems design, Circuit design (Power and Control) 
    • Launch vehicle umbilical’s and interfaces 
  • System sizing and analysis by hand calculation and numerical methods 
  • Sign off on designs and take ownership of pad systems  
  • Perform system design trade-off studies 
  • Develop and maintain BOMs 
  • Interact with vendors, suppliers, and internal production teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and/or confirm components are fit for purpose 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:    

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, or other technical degree  
  • 2+ years of electrical engineering experience
  • Experience with design, commissioning, operation and maintenance of power supply and distribution systems including generators and UPS’s to national and/or international codes and standards 
  • Experience leading complex engineering projects 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

  • Experience with launch pad systems OR oil and gas, process, mining, or other similar industry. This role is not limited to those with prior launch system experience.  
  • Experience with EPLAN an asset 
  • Experience with design of electrical systems for explosive atmosphere environments (ISO 60079, NFPA 59A, 497)
  • Ability to work in fast paced, autonomously driven environment
  • Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
  • Knowledge of low and high voltage AC & DC systems.  
  • Hands-on experience with electrical equipment, data acquisition, control, and automation systems 
  • Ability to read, understand, and produce electrical schematics 

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. 

 

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.   

Important information:

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 Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 here ITAR Regulations.

 

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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.

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