Principal Electrical Engineer

Job overview

The Principal Electrical Engineer role is onsite in Chantilly, VA; compensation is not specified in the listing’s structured pay details. Rocket Lab Optical Systems develops electro-optical and infrared solutions for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments, supporting defense and intelligence customers.

What you'll do

• Lead avionics hardware lifecycle and system architecture
• oversee electronics design and integration
• guide PCBA requirements, verification, validation, and testing
• direct environmental qualification and failure analysis
• mentor engineering teams
• and work with suppliers and manufacturing partners on production and design-for-manufacturing initiatives.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

principal electrical engineer

chantilly va

rocket lab

optical systems

space systems

avionics hardware

fpga

pcba design

aerospace

u.s. citizenship required

security clearance

medical dental vision

401(k)

paid parental leave

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) options, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, paid parental leave, stock or cash incentives, and employee stock purchase program.

Why this role

The posting requires a master’s degree or equivalent advanced experience, 12 or more years of progressive electrical hardware design experience, U.S. citizenship, and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. The body lists a Virginia base pay range of $173,300–$259,850.

About the employer

Rocket Lab Corporation is hiring for this role. Industry: Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing. Sector: 33.