HITL Engineer 1

## About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. ## Space Systems Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and components and subsystems such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security and defense initiatives. ## About the Role Based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the HITL Engineer I is responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) systems. The role supports the HITL Manager and the Shared Services and Space Systems organization, with deliverables requested by internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. ## What You'll Do - Design, build, operate, and maintain HITL systems for 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 Rocket Lab spacecraft buses. - Operate a launch vehicle simulation platform for Day of Launch operations for specific missions. - Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, including system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, and test/anomaly reports. - Analyze raw test results against pass/fail criteria. - Troubleshoot root causes of anomalies and communicate results and next steps to internal teams, vendors, and customers. - Provide critical review of test plans, procedures, and documentation. - Operate test equipment and capture data using DMMs, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and similar equipment. ## Required Qualifications - U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements. - Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related field. - Experience with electronics testing. - Experience designing and implementing electronics test systems. ## Preferred Qualifications - Master’s degree in mechatronics, electronics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related field. - Prior experience working in a PIL/HIL test environment or with avionics testing. - Prior experience with code verification and validation. - Ability to understand and create technical documentation, including system diagrams, schematics, ICDs, procedures, and test/anomaly reports. - Theoretical and practical understanding of electronic systems. - Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. - Familiarity with RS485/422/232, CAN, and LVDS protocols. - Familiarity with CAD for test fixture and support equipment layout and design. - Familiarity with harness design and troubleshooting. - Strong understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics. - Ethernet TCP/IP networking experience, including 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, or SolidWorks. - Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, and virtual machines. - Experience designing and building HITL test rigs at scale. - RF systems experience. - Ability to be self-motivated and strong communication skills. ## Working Conditions This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. ## Compensation and Benefits The anticipated annual equity grant value is based on function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. Total compensation includes base pay and equity. Level and base salary are determined case by case and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock; 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, a 50% employee discount on the merch store, and other employee discounts. ## What to Expect Rocket Lab is on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. The work requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. The team thrives under pressure, works to tight deadlines, and focuses on delivering results.