Senior Harness Design Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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 HARNESS DESIGN ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA theSenior Harness Design Engineer I will primarily focus on the design development and integration of electrical harnesses for our spacecraft. This includes defining interfaces selecting components specifying split locations and lengths and generating design documentation to support the spacecraft engineering team. The Harness Design Engineer will also collaborate with systems engineering mechanical engineering and assembly integration and test (AIT) teams to ensure seamless integration of harness systems into our spacecraft.

This role emphasizes electrical engineering principles including wiring diagram development interface definition and electrical system architecture interpretation while supporting the full lifecycle of harness engineering from design to fabrication and integration.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Harnessing responsibilities:
• Design and develop electrical harness systems for spacecraft including connector and backshell selection wire selection shielding and routing.
• Generate wiring diagrams pinout tables and interface definitions for harness systems based on spacecraft interconnect diagrams.
• Collaborate with systems engineering to interpret system architecture and define electrical interfaces.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for harness systems in the product lifecycle management (PLM) tool.
• Develop and maintain fabrication drawings and documentation for harness systems using tools such as Capital Essentials NX and Teamcenter.
• Support harness fabrication processes ensuring compliance with space-grade standards and industry best practices.
• Define and verify harness acceptance criteria including electrical testing and inspection.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g. systems engineering mechanical engineering and AIT) to ensure proper integration of harnesses into spacecraft.
• Electrical Engineering responsibilities:
• Perform electrical design and analysis to ensure harness systems meet performance reliability and manufacturability requirements.
• Support electrical system schematics and harness design documentation.
• Participate in design reviews providing technical input and ensuring harness designs meet program requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical issues related to harness systems during fabrication integration and testing.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR HARNESS DESIGN ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degree in aerospace mechanical or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
• 5 years of electrical engineering or avionics experience

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD in aerospace mechanical or electrical engineering; or other engineering degree
• Experience in the aerospace/defense industry
• Experience supporting satellite development programs and satellite operations
• Proficiency in electrical engineering principles including power distribution signal integrity grounding and communication systems (e.g. RS-422 SPI Ethernet CAN bus).
• Experience with harness design tools such as Capital Essentials NX and Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with industry standards for harness design and fabrication (e.g. NASA-STD-8739.4 IPC/WHMA-A-620).
• Experience with electrical testing of harness systems including continuity testing insulation resistance testing and functional testing.
• Knowledge of thermal and mechanical considerations for harness routing and integration.
• Familiarity with requirement management tools such as JAMA.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret Clearance

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.