Subsystems Engineer II​/Senior

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening space access. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets—we’re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Based out of Rocket Lab's Albuquerque, New Mexico site, the Subsystem Engineer provides technical leadership and coordination to meet Solar Cell, Panel, and Array program objectives. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! (

Please note:

This position can be hired at the Subsystem Engineer II or Senior Subsystem Engineer I level)

• Act as the technical lead and technical customer point‑of‑contact for solar array programs.
• Lead a broad cross‑functional team of individuals from R&D, analysis, operations, design, and manufacturing.
• Own and review program technical content for a broad array of engineering disciplines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with customers for all technical items on assigned solar array programs.
• Work in tandem with program managers to execute program milestones.
• Review all program‑related engineering documents and ensure all technical requirements are met.
• Support proposal compliance reviews and consult on technical input.
• Prepare engineering documentation for both internal and external customers.
• Support product configuration management tasks such as review and/or release of program specifications, travelers, and test procedures.
• Interface with production team and manufacturing engineers as required to resolve program‑related manufacturing issues.
• Support material review board and support closure of all engineering‑related action items.
• Run program‑related Engineering Change Requests.
• Support production simulations and test data reviews.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, material science, or applied physics.
• 2+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role.
• Knowledge of the Systems Engineering design process.
• Proficient in all MS Office applications.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, material science, or applied physics.
• 5+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role.
• Experience in the Systems Engineering design process.
• Proficient in all MS Office applications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create clear, concise technical documentation using technical‑writing fundamentals.
• Leadership capability, including experience guiding others and taking ownership of results.
• Experience using Siemens NX;
  AutoCAD (DWG viewer); or Solid Works 2012 (e‑drawings) or newer version.
• Experience with power systems design for spacecraft and spacecraft environments.
• Experience in space‑related manufacturing.
• Leadership experience in a project engineering role.
• Exper…