Principal Engineer​/Senior Principal Engineer

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.

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SPACE SYSTEMS

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.

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER/SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Principal/Senior Principal Engineer is responsible for overseeing our various satellite programs. You will support the Space Systems Chief Engineer, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Principal Engineer or Senior Principal Engineer level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Provide oversight and review of spacecraft system engineering, including:
• System and subsystem requirement verification techniques
• Vehicle performance budgets
• Test methods and data analysis
• Simulation and analysis
• Technical leadership in future architectures, platform, and payloads for future missions both internal and external
• Assist or lead system and subsystem architectural developments for existing missions
• Assist with program and product management

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRINCIPAL ENGINEER:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 12+ years of experience supporting satellite or spacecraft programs
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their associated components
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
• Experience with satellite operations
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 15+ years of experience supporting satellite or spacecraft programs
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their associated components
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
• Experience with satellite operations
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s or PhD in an engineering or other technical discipline
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
• Experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum…