Senior Systems Engineer II 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 delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer II for our systems engineering team in Long Beach, CA. This role supports our Space Systems division, leading cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. You will be 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 the technical development of our Space Systems missions.
What You'll Do
- Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance
- Define system requirements and verification techniques
- Create simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
- Develop test methods and analyze data
- 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
Required Qualifications
- 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
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or PhD in engineering
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Understanding of spacecraft subsystems: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
- Knowledge of 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 testing electrical subsystems, thermal vacuum testing, random vibration testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range (CA only): $135,000 to $200,000 USD. Base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Benefits include: top tier medical HMO and PPO plans with 100% company-sponsored HSA 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Company equity also available. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status.
Working Conditions
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.
Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. 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.