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Senior Systems Engineer II - Secret Clearance Verified today

Rocket Lab · Long Beach, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-03
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About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security. We build spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with 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 and lead cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers.

What You'll Own

  • Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance
  • Define system requirements and verification techniques
  • Create simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
  • Design test methods and conduct 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
  • Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's or PhD in engineering
  • Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, 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 a dynamic environment with competing priorities

Compensation

  • Base Salary: $132,000 to $198,000 USD
  • Total Compensation (base and equity): $164,500 to $255,275 USD
  • Company stock as part of total compensation package
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount
  • Medical (HMO, PPO, zero cost HDHP with HSA), dental, vision
  • Paid vacation, sick time, 11 paid holidays, paid parental leave
  • 401(k) with company match, disability and life insurance
  • Subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, gym discounts, complimentary snacks

ITAR and Export Control

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.

Work Environment

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.