Systems Engineer I​/II Pipeline

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 access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been 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, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, 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. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world‑class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

We are currently seeking Systems Engineers I/II for future opportunities for our systems engineering teams based out of Long Beach, CA. These teams support our Space Systems division, and lead cutting‑edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Systems engineers are responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process.

They also work hands‑on with flight hardware, and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.

• Develop and maintain:
  • Technical budgets for vehicle performance
  • System requirements and verification techniques
  • Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
  • Test methods and data analysis
• Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
• Assist with program and product management
• Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Engineering experience in the aerospace industry
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• 2+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

• Master’s or PhD engineering in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated components, including: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space‑ground communications, on‑orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
• Experience with…