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Rocket Lab Optical Systems, part of Rocket Lab's Space Systems division, is seeking a Senior Software Systems Engineer II to design, develop, and test space-based electro-optical sensors for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Based in Tucson, AZ, you will drive the technical development of space systems missions, working on mission-critical payloads and subsystems.
In this role, you will support the design, integration, and development of software for space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms. You will interpret overall system architecture and derive software and firmware requirements to ensure consistency across interfaces and subsystems. You'll understand the complete software/firmware development pipeline from requirements through build, integration, test, and release.
Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining technical budgets for vehicle performance, software system requirements and verification techniques, simulations and analysis across vehicle functions, and test methods and data analysis. You will provide technical oversight of system software architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance. You'll develop interface specifications, CONOPS definitions, and other design documents in collaboration with team members.
You will plan and define software verification and validation (V&V) activities, including verification methods, test strategy, and success criteria. You'll identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks across the software and firmware development lifecycle. You will execute software verification test campaigns on flatsat, development, or flight units, and support authoring, derivation, and verification of software and firmware requirements while maintaining requirements traceability.
Additional responsibilities include participating in technical interchange meetings with internal stakeholders and external partners, mentoring other engineers on systems engineering and V&V methodologies, and supporting travel or off-site work as needed. You will assist with program and product management activities.
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 engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- Active security clearance (Secret or higher)
- 8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry, with 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in project or team leadership
- CAM and/or IPTL experience
- Strong knowledge of interpreting organizational, software, and hardware technical documents
- Demonstrable experience in systems engineering with strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating space or airborne instruments
- Experience with requirements management tools such as JAMA, DOORS, JIRA, or Cameo
- Experience supporting development programs
- Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements and ITAR regulations
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Master's or PhD in engineering (software or computer engineering)
- EO/IR payload integration experience
- Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent
- Experience with the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) from requirements development through systems operations and maintenance
- Knowledge of software interfaces and communications protocols
- Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level issues
- Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
