Systems Engineer II Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. Our Electron rocket has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, payloads, and subsystems including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, and radios.
The Role
We seek a Systems Engineer II for our systems engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will support our Space Systems division on cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. You are responsible for developing and maintaining 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 spacecraft missions.
What You'll Do
- Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance
- Define system requirements and verification techniques
- Build simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
- Design test methods and perform 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
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- 2+ 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 (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems: 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 testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum, 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 (CA): $100,800-$151,200 USD, determined 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 and life insurance; 401(k) with company match; discounted employee stock purchase program; subsidized EV charging; onsite gym; and food and drinks. Employees may also receive company equity. Eligibility varies by employment status.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work. Occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
ITAR and Export Control
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates 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.