Principal Integration & Test Engineer

$115,000 - $200,000/Yr

Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, CA

Full-time - Senior

Long Beach, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Principal Integration & Test Engineer at Rocket Lab is responsible for the development, testing, and deployment of flight spacecraft systems. This role involves leading integration and test campaigns, developing test plans, and maintaining test systems for spacecraft hardware. The engineer will work closely with the Space Systems organization to ensure successful project deliverables for internal leadership and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own integration and test campaigns at various levels of spacecraft development
• Work collaboratively with team members to define systems requirements, as well as verification and validation plans
• Develop acceptance, qualification, and R&D test plans for spacecraft systems
• Develop, maintain, and operate environmental test systems (Vibe, TVAC, Thermal, EMI, etc.)
• Develop and maintain mechanical and electrical ground support equipment and facilities
• Interface with ground test software and implement flight software configuration changes
• Lead investigations into anomalous vehicle behavior
• Interface with hardware-in-the-loop test systems

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering degree
• 12+ years of experience in a test engineering or other hands-on engineering role
• Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration testing
• Proficiency with C, C++, Python, or MATLAB; and Windows 10 and Microsoft Office products
• Experience in writing technical documentation, such as procedures, reports, and requirements

Nice-to-haves

• Master's or PhD in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering degree
• 4+ years of professional experience as a test engineer in the aerospace industry
• Strong understanding of satellite subsystems (CDH, ADCS, EPS, and COMM)
• Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment
• Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.)
• Exposure to designing and implementing test systems for electronics
• Understanding of sensors, signal conditioning and data acquisition electronics
• Familiarity with spacecraft harness design and best practices
• Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably NX
• Experience with RF testing and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Basic knowledge of networking
• Experience with Linux systems

Benefits

• 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
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts