Senior Systems Engineer I - Mission Architecture Verified today

About the Role

Based in Long Beach, CA, you will lead the formulation of all new satellite systems, supporting capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business. You will manage the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process, including validation of customer requirements. You will support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the broader Space Systems Business Development organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

What You'll Do

• Lead Rocket Lab's satellite engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture
• Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance
• Define system requirements and verification techniques
• Build simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
• Develop test methods and data analysis
• Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
• Assist with program and product management
• Develop interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents in collaboration with team members
• Work directly with customers and internal leadership to shape requirements and write core architecture for key proposals

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• 5 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
• US citizenship is required, due to program requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Master's or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems including attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with team and internal/external customers
• Experience with proposals and technical volume authorship
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
• Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
• Experience with satellite operations
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

Compensation

• Base Salary: $124,000 to $171,000 USD
• Total Compensation (base and equity): $175,000 to $206,000 USD
• Company stock as part of total compensation package
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount on company stock
• Medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero cost HDHP with HSA company 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 and onsite fitness centers where available
• Discounted gym memberships and 50% employee discount on company merchandise

Working Conditions

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.