Senior Systems Engineer II - Secret Clearance

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMSAt 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.

SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II We are currently seeking a Senior Systems Engineer II for our systems engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports 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.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

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 QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry

Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs

Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCITHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master’s or PhD 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 STKExperience 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 (HITL) testing

Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

Anticipated annual equity grant value is…