Senior Analyst II/Principal Analyst - Space Payloads (Secret Clearance)

Rocket Lab Corporation•Tucson, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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 – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. SENIOR ANALYST II/PRINCIPAL ANALYST - SPACE PAYLOADS (SECRET CLEARANCE) Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains. As a Senior Analyst II/Principal Analyst - Space Payloads (Secret Clearance) based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will work closely with design and systems engineering team members to provide quantitative technical guidance and performance assessment. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! (Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Analyst II or Principal Analyst level)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, or other technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
8+ years of professional experience
Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones
Bachelor’s degree in science, or other technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
12+ years of professional experience
Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in science, or other technical discipline
Hands-on expertise with electro-optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, and/or military/space payloads
Working knowledge of MATLAB, python, and C++ computer languages, and expertise in computer interfacing techniques
Expertise in modeling and simulation
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Experience in a dynamic and high-visibility role
Team player incorporating a team-based success philosophy

Responsibilities

Collaborate with researchers on projects related to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision
Preform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems
Contribute your strong programming ability and experience to develop robust solutions for real-world problems
Validate, optimize, and deploy advanced exploitation algorithms
Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new code to ensure stability and robustness
Guide/author data collection and analysis software
Collaborate closely with firmware development and electronics interface control
Design calibration and characterization experiments
Use excellent investigative and trouble-shooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab and in the field
Work proactively to complete tasks with little direction
Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel, and represent the organization in matters pertaining to the development of projects
Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
Manage time and resources in order to meet assigned deadlines
Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed
Perform other duties as assigned