Senior Systems Engineer I

Rocket Lab USA • Tucson, AZ

91d

About The Position

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 to 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in systems or aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance
• 5+ years of engineering experience; with 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in project or team leadership
• Demonstrable experience in systems engineering, with a strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating with space or airborne instruments
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or Cameo
• Experience with the Software Development Lifecycle from requirements development through systems operations and maintenance
• Proficiency in Python, Matlab, Linux, C, C++, Visual Basic, or other software development languages and tools
• Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent
• A strong knowledge of how to interpret organizational, software and hardware technical documents
• Experience with space environments and testing regimes (vibe, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)
• Excellent task management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraints
• Knowledge of hardware interfaces and communications protocols
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices

Nice To Haves

• Current SSBI clearance
• Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level issues
• Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, including complex formulas, mathematical modeling, and VBA macro creation
• Experience in astronomy, physics, or remote sensing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and develop space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms
• Define, allocate, and manage technical requirements for space systems
• Ensure traceability of requirements throughout the development process and address potential conflicts or issues
• Lead requirements definition, allocation, and traceability across the development lifecycle
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system design descriptions, ICDs, CONOPs, and test plans
• Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners
• Provide technical management of project requirements, system architecture, system interfaces, mission assurance guidelines, and system compliance
• Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of exquisite payloads
• Support hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification test procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinements
• Lead hardware and software V&V activities to confirm alignment with program and customer requirements
• Provide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance
• Participate in technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project discussions
• Support the development, testing, and delivery of space payloads; assess and mitigate technical risks
• Mentor other engineers on technical topics and V&V methodologies
• Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree