Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems EngineerTucson, AZRocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.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, separation systems, radios, and more.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 Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.As a Senior Systems Engineer based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to design, develop, and test space-based electro-optical sensors. Systems engineers are responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. They also work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Systems Engineer I or Senior Systems Engineer II level)What You'll Get To Do:Design, integrate, and develop space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platformsDevelop and maintain:Technical budgets for vehicle performanceSystem requirements and verification techniquesSimulations and analysis across vehicle functionsTest methods and data analysisProvide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and complianceAssist with program and product managementDevelop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documentsSupport the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platformsAbility to support travel or off-site work, as neededPerform other duties as assignedQualifications You'll Bring As Senior Systems Engineer I:Bachelor's degree in engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)Active Clearance5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry; with 2+ years directly supporting development projects and 1+ years in project or team leadershipA strong knowledge of how to interpret organizational, software, and hardware technical documentsDemonstrable experience in systems engineering, with a strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating with space or airborne instrumentsExperience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or CameoExperience supporting development programsU.S citizenship is required, due to program requirementsQualifications You'll Bring As Senior Systems Engineer II:Bachelor's degree in engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)Active Clearance8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry; with 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in project or team leadershipCAM and/or IPTL experienceA strong knowledge of how to interpret organizational, software, and hardware technical documentsDemonstrable experience in systems engineering, with a strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating with space or airborne instrumentsExperience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or CameoExperience supporting development programsFamiliarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practicesU.S citizenship is required, due to program requirementsThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Active TS/SCI clearanceMaster's or PhD in engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)EO/IR payload integration experienceProficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalentExperience with space environments and testing regimes (vibe, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)Experience with the Software Development Lifecycle from requirements development through systems operations and maintenanceKnowledge of hardware interfaces and communications protocolsHands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level issuesDemonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projectsExperience in astronomy, physics, or remote sensingExcellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization membersThis 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.What To Expect:We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.