Systems Engineer I 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
Our Space Systems team builds 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 ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
Systems Engineer I based in Long Beach, CA, supporting cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. You will develop and maintain technical systems engineering processes, work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive technical development of Space Systems 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
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
- Engineering experience in the aerospace industry
- Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Desirable Qualifications
- Master's or PhD in engineering
- Understanding of spacecraft subsystems: attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, command and data handling (C&DH), thermal control
- Knowledge of space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
- Experience with requirement management tools (JAMA or DOORS)
- Satellite operations experience
- Testing experience: electrical subsystems, thermal vacuum, random vibration, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL)
- Ability to work in dynamic environments with competing priorities
Compensation and Benefits
Total Compensation (base and equity): $89,350-$115,025 USD
Base Salary: $82,400-$103,000 USD
Compensation includes company stock as part of your total package. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), medical (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP), dental and vision, 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 where available, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and other employee discounts.
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.
Important Information
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted refugee or asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce.