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Salary: USD 124,000 - 171,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead mission architecture and formulation for new satellite systems, supporting business development and opportunity capture across civil, national security, and commercial sectors.
You will be responsible for leading the technical formulation of all new satellite systems and managing the systems engineering process end-to-end. This includes developing and maintaining technical budgets for vehicle performance, defining system requirements and verification techniques, creating simulations and analysis across vehicle functions, and developing test methods and data analysis approaches. You will lead and own the technical development of spacecraft missions, assist with program and product management, and collaborate with team members to develop interface specifications, concepts of operations (CONOPS), and other critical design documents.
You will work directly with customers and internal leadership to shape requirements and architect proposals for key opportunities. Your work will support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, with deliverables required for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. The role is based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA.
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and 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.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- 5+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
- Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
- US citizenship required due to program requirements and ITAR regulations
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Master's or PhD in engineering
- Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
- Thorough understanding of space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
- Highly effective verbal and written communication skills
- Previous experience with proposals and technical volume authorship
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
- Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
- Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
- Experience with satellite operations
- Ability to work in dynamic environment with competing priorities
