Senior Systems Engineer I - Secret Clearance Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, an upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle. The Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Space Systems

The Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and components including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

The Role

You will support the Space Systems division systems engineering team, leading 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. You will work hands-on with flight hardware and drive technical development of Space Systems missions.

What You Will Do

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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
• Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI

Desirable Experience

• Master's or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems 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 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 (HITL) testing
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range for CA: $130,000 to $170,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include top tier medical HMO, PPO and 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, access to 401(k) retirement plan with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, and food and drinks.

US Employment Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Work Environment

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