Senior HITL Engineer I

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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
SENIOR HITL ENGINEER I
Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior HITL Engineer I 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.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Design, build, 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.)
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR HITL ENGINEER I:
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field
5+ years of engineering experience with hardware or software development
Experience with electronics testing
Experience with designing and implementing electronics test systems
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master’s in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or related field
Prior experience working on a PIL/HIL test environment or Avionics test
Prior experience with Code Verification and Validation
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
Familiarity with harnessing design and troubleshooting
Strong understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics
Ethernet TCP/IP networking experience: switching, routing and subnetting managed switches
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
Familiarity with containerization technologies, such as Docker, Kubernetes, VMs, etc.
Experience in designing and building HITL test rigs at Scale
RF Systems experience
Ability to be self-motivated
Strong communication skills
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 plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
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)
$111,650—$158,900 USD
Base Salary
$97,600—$134,200 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/intervie