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Rocket Lab Optical Systems, part of Rocket Lab's Space Systems division, is seeking a Chief Engineer for Space Payloads to lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation space-based electro-optical sensor systems. The division has enabled over 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security and defense initiatives, with work for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
In this role, you will serve as the definitive technical authority for space-based payload programs, guiding multi-disciplinary teams through all development phases from requirements definition through integration, test, and sustainment. You will own the technical baseline across systems engineering, hardware, software, and test; chair program gate reviews (SRR through TRR); direct payload and ground systems architecture development; oversee engineering execution to meet cost, schedule, and technical objectives; and manage subcontractor oversight.
Key responsibilities include enforcing engineering standards and quality while advancing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Digital Engineering practices; owning the program Risk Register to proactively mitigate risks and capture opportunities; serving as the primary technical interface with customer technical teams, subcontractors, and leadership; contributing to proposals and technical reviews; and mentoring engineers across disciplines to foster collaboration and technical excellence.
This position requires comfort working in classified environments with sensitive program information, with approximately 25% of time spent in classified settings. Travel up to 25% is expected.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 12+ years of professional experience
- Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
- Proven ability to deliver complex aerospace or defense systems on cost, on schedule, and to performance requirements
- Prior experience as a chief engineer or technical authority on a program of record or major defense contract
- Experience leading large-scale proposals, including technical volumes and customer-facing reviews
- Strong record of interfacing with senior government customers and building trusted technical relationships
- Ability to motivate and guide teams without direct line authority, achieving alignment across diverse organizations and subcontractors
- Willingness to travel up to 25%
- Comfort working in classified environments with sensitive program information
- Ability to work in classified environments 25%+ of the time
- U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligible to obtain required ITAR authorizations
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree or PhD in a technical discipline
- Recent experience supporting space missions with emphasis on payload integration
- 5+ years working with EO/IR, radar, or hyperspectral sensor technologies, including performance modeling and exploitation
- 5+ years developing command & control, mission planning, or tactical ground systems for space assets
- Experience with CONOPS development and enterprise-scale architectures
- Knowledge of advanced data exploitation, machine learning, and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR)
- Experience integrating multi-disciplinary engineering efforts across suppliers and subcontractors
- Leadership in design, production, and integration of large-scale defense or aerospace systems
- Hands-on experience applying MBSE methods
- Track record of achieving technical, cost, and schedule commitments as a chief engineer or technical lead
- Excellent communication skills for presenting complex technical solutions to executives, customers, and non-technical audiences
- Ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders and make sound decisions under uncertainty
