Principal Engineer, Space Payloads Security Clearance

Position: Principal Engineer, Space Payloads with Security Clearance
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, SPACE PAYLOADS – ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

We’re seeking an accomplished and mission-driven Principal Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation space-based electro-optical sensor systems. As the definitive technical authority, you’ll guide a multi-disciplinary team through all phases of development—from requirements definition to integration, test, and sustainment—ensuring mission success while advancing innovation. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on national security by delivering advanced space capabilities to our customers.

An active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility, and the ability to work in classified environments (25%+ of the time), are required. As Principal Engineer, you won’t just lead engineering— you’ll define the technical vision that makes mission success possible. Here, you’ll join a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact, where your leadership will directly shape the future of space technology!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Own the technical baseline:
Serve as the authority across systems engineering, hardware, software, and test, ensuring requirements are achieved and the system delivers mission value.
Lead critical reviews:
Chair program gate reviews from SRR through TRR, assessing design maturity, readiness, and risk posture.
Shape system architecture:
Direct the development and integration of architectures spanning payload, ground systems, and mission operations.
Guide execution:
Oversee engineering performance to deliver on cost, schedule, and technical objectives, including subcontractor oversight.
Champion engineering excellence:
Enforce standards, processes, and quality while advancing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Digital Engineering.
Manage risk & opportunity:
Own the program Risk Register, proactively mitigating risks and capturing opportunities to improve performance.
Engage with stakeholders:
Act as the primary technical interface with customer technical teams, subcontractors, and REALCO leadership.
Support growth:
Contribute to proposals, technical volumes, and reviews, helping shape future opportunities.
Mentor the next generation:
Provide leadership and guidance to engineers across disciplines, fostering collaboration, knowledge transfer, and technical excellence YOU’LL BRING THESE

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline

Experience:

12+ years of engineering experience, with 8+ years of experience leading engineering teams or organizations
Security Clearance:
Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
Program…