Senior Electrical Engineer I - Marine Operations

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 provide a cost-effective and reliable launch solution by leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high-performing team and pushing the boundaries with a clean-sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER - MARINE OPERATIONS 

We are currently seeking an Electrical Engineer based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex in Middle River, Maryland. You will be responsible for the design, specification, analysis, and execution of power distribution, navigation systems, controls, and communications systems on our recovery vessel.  

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Serve as the electrical engineering technical expert within the Marine Operations team, enabling recovery and reusability of Neutron  

• Design critical electrical infrastructure, including schematics, layout, and routing for power, lighting, navigation, instrumentation, propulsion, and communications systems 

• Coordinate with other Rocket Lab engineers to ensure electrical systems are well integrated with the other vessel systems 

• Ensure all systems meet regulatory requirements (ABS, USCG, IEC, NFPA, FCC)  

• Conduct design reviews to ensure systems meet requirements, identify risks, resource needs, and schedule estimates  

• Work onboard the vessel during construction, ensuring build-out meets engineering specifications, and drive future modifications to enable more efficient mission execution 

• Collaborate with the marine engineering group for commissioning and sea-trials test planning 

• Troubleshoot and validate electrical systems during commissioning  

• Oversee the operation, sustainment, troubleshooting, and repair of critical electrical power and control systems 

• Build and manage electrical and electronic spares inventory and maintain minimum inventories of those onboard parts and components.  

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER:  

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or marine engineering 

• 3+ years of experience as an electrical engineer, preferably in the maritime industry, with exposure to large vessels and autonomous or automated vessel systems 

• Technical project management experience and the ability to liaise with external suppliers 

• Advanced understanding of systems design principles 

• Proficient in using EPLAN or comparable electrical CAD software for developing detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts 

• Advanced ability to analyze systems, troubleshoot and solve problems, and select and source equipment  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Project management experience in a fast-paced prototype environment 

• Detailed knowledge of Siemens NX or similar CAD and PLM packages.  

• Experience with hands-on projects, including the use of hand tools 

• Knowledge of modern industrial communication protocols and network layers, including experience with Modbus (RTU/TCP), Profibus, Ethernet, and serial interfaces (RS-232/RS-485) for control systems 

• Experience integrating marine components (hoists, thrusters, winches, radar, etc.) 

• Valid and current training certifications as an Electrical or Electronic Technician issued by a recognized authority.  

• At least two years of experience working on vessels of comparable size and mission duration, or in a similar industrial setting requiring equivalent qualifications and operational expertise.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$156,275—$171,675 USD

Base Salary

$108,800—$149,600 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.   

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 [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 here ITAR Regulations.