Senior Systems Engineer I

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer I to join its systems engineering team in Long Beach, California, supporting the Space Systems division and programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. The role covers systems engineering processes and technical development for spacecraft missions, including hands-on work with flight hardware. Systems engineers develop and maintain technical budgets, define requirements, plan and execute tests, and manage the overall systems engineering process. The position also contributes to program and product management and to mission design documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or another technical engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in engineering, such as software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or another technical engineering discipline.
Active TS/SCI clearance.
Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and components, including 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 or random vibration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance.
Develop and maintain 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.
Support systems engineering for Space Systems programs serving civil, commercial, and defense customers.
Work hands-on with flight hardware.

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 coverage.
Vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability insurance.
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.