Senior Systems Engineer II Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Space Systems Division
The Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, U.S. Space Force, and commercial partners, including missions to the Moon and Mars.
The Role
You will be a Senior Systems Engineer II supporting our Space Systems division, leading cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers from our Long Beach, CA office. You will own the technical development and management of the systems engineering process for spacecraft missions.
What You'll Do
- 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 analyze test data
- Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
- Assist with program and product management
- Develop interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and design documents in collaboration with team members
- Work hands-on with flight hardware
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- 8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
- Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or PhD in engineering
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Understanding of spacecraft subsystems: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
- Knowledge of 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, thermal vacuum, random vibration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing
- Ability to work in dynamic environments with competing priorities
Compensation and Benefits
Total Compensation (base and equity): $164,500 to $255,275 USD
Base Salary: $132,000 to $198,000 USD
You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package. Additional benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with 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) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, gym discounts, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and other employee discounts.
Working Environment
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.