Systems Engineer II

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Systems Engineer II for a future opening on its systems engineering team in Long Beach, California. The team supports the Space Systems division and leads programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Systems engineers develop and maintain technical budgets, define requirements, plan and execute testing, and manage the systems engineering process. The role also involves hands-on work with flight hardware and driving the technical development of Space Systems missions. The engineer will lead technical development of spacecraft missions and contribute to program and product management. They will work with team members to develop interface specifications, CONOPS definitions, and other design documents. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Rocket Lab offers company stock as part of total compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The listed California base pay range is $100,800–$138,600 USD; level and base salary are determined case by case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. U.S. citizenship is required in the qualifications for this position. For U.S. office candidates, the posting also describes applicable ITAR eligibility requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or another technical engineering discipline.
At least 2 years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs.
U.S. citizenship 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.
Understanding of key 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 and maintain simulations and analysis across vehicle functions.
Develop and maintain test methods and perform data analysis.
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 requirements definition, test planning and execution, and management of the systems engineering process.
Work hands-on with flight hardware and drive the technical development of Space Systems missions.

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.