Principal Engineer - TS​/SCI 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.

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - TS/SCI CLEARANCE Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the 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.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Provide oversight and review of spacecraft system engineering, including:

Requirement derivation

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:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline

Active TS/SCI clearanceU.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
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 operationsTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Master’s or PhD in an engineering or other technical discipline

Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STKExperience 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 designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company…