Principal Systems Engineer - Mission Architecture
About The Position
Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Principal Systems Engineer leads the formulation of new satellite systems and supports capture of civil, national security, and commercial business. The role manages technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and the systems engineering process, including validation of customer requirements. It supports the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the broader Space Systems Business Development organization, producing deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. The position leads satellite engineering formulation for business development and opportunity capture; develops spacecraft mission technical foundations and design documentation; and works directly with customers and internal leaders to shape requirements and proposal architectures. It may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
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 supporting 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 analyze test data.
- Lead and own the technical development of spacecraft missions.
- Assist with program and product management.
- Collaborate with team members to develop interface specifications, CONOPS definitions, and other design documents.
- Work with customers and internal leadership to shape requirements and write core architectures for key proposals.
- Manage technical planning, test planning and execution, and the systems engineering process, including validation of customer requirements.
- Support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the Space Systems Business Development organization with deliverables for leadership, the board of directors, and investors.
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 significant 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 merch store.
- Other employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
