Principal Systems Engineer - Mission Architecture
About The Position
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company that develops rockets, spacecraft, and related subsystems. Its Space Systems team builds spacecraft, payloads, and components for civil, commercial, national security, and defense missions. Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Principal Systems Engineer – Mission Architecture leads the formulation of new satellite systems and supports capture of new business. The role manages technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, validation of customer requirements, and the systems engineering process. It supports the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the broader Space Systems Business Development organization, preparing deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. The position works with customers and internal leadership to shape requirements and develop core architectures for proposals, while leading technical development of spacecraft missions and assisting with program and product management.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or another technical engineering discipline.
- 12 or more years of experience in the aerospace industry.
- Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Active TS/SCI clearance.
- Master’s or PhD in engineering, such as software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or another technical engineering discipline.
- Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and components, including ADCS, EPS, space-ground communications, on-orbit C&DH, and thermal control.
- Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics.
- Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with team members and internal and external customers.
- Previous experience with proposals and technical volume authorship.
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK.
- Experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
- Experience with requirements management tools such as JAMA or DOORS.
- Experience with satellite operations.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.
Responsibilities
- Lead satellite engineering formulation in support of business development and new opportunity capture.
- Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance.
- Define system requirements and verification techniques.
- Develop simulations and analyses across vehicle functions.
- Develop test methods and conduct data analysis.
- Lead and own the technical development of spacecraft missions.
- Assist with program and product management.
- Collaborate with team members on interface specifications, CONOPS, and other design documents.
- Work directly with customers and internal leadership to shape requirements and write core architecture for key proposals.
- Support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the broader Space Systems Business Development organization, including preparation of deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.
- Manage requirements validation, test planning and execution, and the overall systems engineering process.
Benefits
- Company stock as part of total compensation.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
- Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Subsidized EV charging.
- Onsite fitness centers where available.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Complimentary snacks and beverages.
- 50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
- Other employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
