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Salary: USD 82,400 - 103,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Systems Engineer I to join the Space Systems division in Long Beach, CA. The Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and critical subsystems including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The team has enabled over 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security and defense initiatives, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
In this role, you will be responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. You will work hands-on with flight hardware and drive the technical development of Space Systems missions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance
- Define system requirements and verification techniques
- Create simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
- Develop test methods and data analysis approaches
- Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
- Assist with program and product management
- Develop interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and design documents in collaboration with team members
The role operates in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment supporting civil, commercial, and defense customers. You will be expected to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- Engineering experience in the aerospace industry
- Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs
- U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR program requirements
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
- Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
- Experience with satellite operations
- Experience with testing electrical subsystems, thermal vacuum, random vibration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing
- Ability to work in dynamic environment with competing priorities
