Senior Systems Engineer I​/II - Secret Clearance

Long Beach, CA

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 to 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 rocket has become 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. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

We are currently seeking a Senior Systems Engineer I/II for our systems engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division and leads 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.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Senior Systems Engineer I or Senior Systems Engineer II level)

• Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance.
• Define system requirements and verification techniques.
• Conduct simulations and analysis across vehicle functions.
• Develop test methods and perform data analysis.
• Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions.
• Assist with program and product management.
• Develop interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents in collaboration with team members.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline).
• 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline).
• 8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.

• Master’s or PhD in engineering.
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and associated components.
• Thorough understanding of the 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 and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $132,000 – $176,000 USD.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.