Senior Systems Engineer I

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separati...

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Develop...

We are currently seeking a Senior Systems Engineer I for our systems engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division, and lead cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Systems engineers are responsible for the development and maintenance of techn...

Develop and maintain:
Technical budgets for vehicle performance
System requirements and verification techniques
Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
Test methods and data analysis
Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
Assist with program and product management
Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs
U.S citizenship required due to program requirements
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 and their associated components, including: 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

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO