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
Our 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 civil, commercial, and defense customers including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer II for our systems engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will support our Space Systems division leading cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Systems engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. You will work hands-on with flight hardware and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.
What You'll Do
- Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance
- Define system requirements and verification techniques
- Develop 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 design documents in collaboration with team members
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 (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Understanding of key 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
- 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 with 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
Compensation and Benefits
Base pay range (CA only): $132,000-$198,000 USD. You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package. Benefits include an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), medical plans (HMO, PPO, and 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, and 401(k) with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and other employee discounts.
Working Conditions
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 (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.