Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$80k–$126k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Altium Designer, Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Circuit Analysis, SPICE
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$117k–$146k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Supplier Quality Management, Team Leadership, Root Cause Analysis, GD&T, APQP
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$82k–$126k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: RF Testing, EMI/EMC Testing, Test Automation, Vector Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$175k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Python, Cloud Engineering, Web Architecture, Secret Clearance, Scalable Cloud Solutions
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$124k–$155k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Design For Manufacture, Design For Test, Value Stream Mapping, Cell Design, Lean Manufacturing
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$85k–$115k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Materials Characterization, Metal Additive Manufacturing, Mechanical Testing, Metallography, Root Cause Analysis
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$25/hr–$35/hr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Metallographic Sample Preparation, Optical Microscopy, Hardness Testing, Chemical Etching, Microstructure Evaluation
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$25/hr–$35/hr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Metallographic Sample Preparation, Optical Microscopy, Hardness Testing, Chemical Etching, Microstructure Evaluation
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$25/hr–$35/hr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: CNC Programming, CNC Machining, Wire EDM, CAD Software, G-code
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$128k–$176k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Failure Analysis, Fault Tree Analysis, FMEA, CAPA, Reliability KPIs
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$126k–$173k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Vehicle Simulation, Trajectory Optimization, Python, Julia, MATLAB
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$148k–$204k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Vehicle Simulation, Trajectory Optimization, Python, Julia, MATLAB
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$148k–$204k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Multidisciplinary Analysis, Simulation, Trajectory Design, Python, Julia
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$148k–$204k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Multidisciplinary Analysis, Trajectory Optimization, Python, Julia, MATLAB
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$126k–$173k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Multidisciplinary Analysis, Simulation, Trajectory Design, Python, Julia
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$126k–$173k/yr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Multidisciplinary Analysis, Trajectory Optimization, Python, Julia, MATLAB
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$31/hr–$44/hr
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America an…
Skills: Event Management, Vendor Coordination, Project Management, Budget Tracking, Logistics Management
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$144k–$233k/yr
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America an…
Skills: Fluid Systems Engineering, Technical Leadership, Thermal Control Systems, ECLSS, Propulsion Systems
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$144k–$233k/yr
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America an…
Skills: Fluid Systems Engineering, Technical Leadership, Thermal Control Systems, ECLSS, Propulsion Systems
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$138k–$196k/yr
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America an…
Skills: Fluid Systems Design, Thermal Management, Propulsion Systems, Environmental Control and Life Support, CAD
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Develop and test avionics hardware for spacecraft programs, covering the full lifecycle from requirements to production. This includes PCBA requirements, schematic capture, PCB layout, and system integration testing.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering and U.S. citizenship. Depending on the level, candidates need a strong background in analog electronics or 2+ years of hardware design experience.
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 rocket has 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.
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.
We are currently seeking an Electrical Engineer I/II for our avionics design engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. You will participate in the development and test of avionics hardware for our spacecraft programs. You will work collaboratively with engineers of various disciplines and participate in all aspects of electrical hardware development, from requirements definition through design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production. As an engineer on the spacecraft development team, you will have frequent opportunities to test and operate your systems on orbit. We're looking for people who are passionate about spacecraft electrical hardware design, with a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Electrical Engineer I or Electrical Engineer II level)
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.
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.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
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/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected].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.
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
Based on 338 listings with disclosed salaries, most science & research jobs in Long Beach, CA pay between $83k–$204k per year. Individual offers vary with seniority, company size, and specialization.
There are currently 363 open science & research positions in Long Beach, CA listed on Clera. New openings are added daily as companies post roles.
Companies currently hiring include Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, Vast, True Anomaly, Boeing, among others. Browse the listings above to see every active employer.
Yes — 36 of the 363 open science & research positions offer remote or hybrid work (13 remote, 23 hybrid).
Each listing links directly to the employer's application page. Apply early — fresh listings get the most recruiter attention in the first two weeks.
