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Rocket Lab Optical Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to support the development of advanced space-based optical payloads for the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (Tranche 3). This role is based in Tucson, AZ and involves end-to-end lifecycle support for mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems.
You will be responsible for developing and managing system architecture for space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads on airborne and space platforms, with emphasis on electrical architecture and controls integration. Key responsibilities include:
- Define, decompose, and manage system requirements with focus on electrical behavior, control functions, subsystem interactions, and overall system performance
- Develop and maintain technical documentation including architecture descriptions, interface control documents, electrical interface definitions, concepts of operations, state and mode descriptions, test plans, and verification artifacts
- Support development of electrical and functional architectures, including command and telemetry flow, power distribution, control logic, signal paths, timing, synchronization, and subsystem interaction
- Collaborate with hardware, software, firmware, and test teams to ensure electrical architecture and controls implementation align with system requirements and mission intent
- Support development, integration, and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
- Support hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinements
- Participate in hardware and software verification and validation activities related to system behavior, electrical performance, controls implementation, and interface compliance
- Support architecture trades involving sensors, motor control, embedded electronics, power systems, command and data handling, and subsystem interfaces
- Participate in technical interchange meetings and project discussions with internal teams, customers, and external partners
- Identify, assess, and help mitigate technical risks related to electrical architecture, controls implementation, and subsystem integration
- Support travel or off-site work as needed
Rocket Lab's Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
- 12+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years supporting development programs and 2+ years in technical leadership, CAM, IPTL, or equivalent role
- Demonstrated systems engineering experience with emphasis on electrical architecture, subsystem integration, and controls-focused development
- Strong electrical engineering background supporting complex aerospace, payload, avionics, or instrument systems
- Experience developing system requirements, interface definitions, and verification approaches for complex systems
- Strong background in electrical interfaces, control functions, avionics integration, or subsystem architecture
- Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, DOORS, Cameo, or similar tools
- Experience working across hardware, software, and firmware development throughout the lifecycle
- Familiarity with command and telemetry interfaces, power architectures, signal interfaces, timing, synchronization, and control logic
- Experience supporting integration and test, including troubleshooting electrical or controls-related issues at the subsystem or system level
- Strong ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical, interface, and system technical documentation
- Familiarity with aerospace development standards, environmental testing, and mission assurance practices
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current SSBI clearance
- EO/IR payload integration experience
- Experience with spacecraft bus interfaces, payload electrical integration, avionics architecture, or embedded electronics
- Experience with pointing, stabilization, gimbals, motion control, focus/control electronics, or other closed-loop control applications
- Experience defining or troubleshooting electrical architectures for sensors, actuators, motors, power systems, or embedded controllers
- Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level electrical or controls-related issues
- Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
- Experience in astronomy, physics, or remote sensing
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
NOTE: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible authorization per ITAR regulations.
