Senior Systems Engineer II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Labs Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help get to space our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community 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 Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As aSenior Systems Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson AZ you will be involved throughout the entire lifecycle of advanced space payloads in support of Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agencys Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Support the development of system architecture for space-based optical instruments subsystems and payloads on airborne and space platforms with emphasis on electrical architecture and controls integration
• Define decompose and manage system requirements with focus on electrical behavior control functions subsystem interactions and overall system performance
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including architecture descriptions interface control documents electrical interface definitions concepts of operations state and mode descriptions test plans and verification artifacts
• Support development of electrical and functional architectures including command and telemetry flow power distribution control logic signal paths timing synchronization and subsystem interaction
• Collaborate with hardware software firmware and test teams to ensure the electrical architecture and controls implementation align with system requirements and mission intent
• Support the development integration and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
• Support hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning debugging integration and execution of verification procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinements
• Participate in hardware and software verification and validation activities related to system behavior electrical performance controls implementation and interface compliance
• Support architecture trades involving sensors motor control embedded electronics power systems command and data handling and subsystem interfaces
• Participate in technical interchange meetings and project discussions with internal teams customers and external partners as needed
• Identify assess and help mitigate technical risks related to electrical architecture controls implementation and subsystem integration
• Support travel or off-site work as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in electrical systems or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
• 8 years of engineering experience including 3 years supporting development programs and 2 years in technical leadership CAM IPTL or equivalent role
• Demonstrated systems engineering experience with emphasis on electrical architecture subsystem integration and controls focused development
• Strong electrical engineering background supporting complex aerospace payload avionics or instrument systems
• Experience developing system requirements interface definitions and verification approaches for complex systems
• Strong background in electrical interfaces control functions avionics integration or subsystem architecture
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA DOORS Cameo or similar tools
• Experience working across hardware software and firmware development throughout the lifecycle
• Familiarity with command and telemetry interfaces power architectures signal interfaces timing synchronization and control logic
• Experience supporting integration and test including troubleshooting electrical or controls-related issues at the subsystem or system level
• Strong ability to read interpret and develop electrical interface and system technical documentation
• Familiarity with aerospace development standards environmental testing and mission assurance practices

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Current SSBI clearance
• EO/IR payload integration experience
• Experience with spacecraft bus interfaces payload electrical integration avionics architecture or embedded electronics
• Experience with pointing stabilization gimbals motion control focus/control electronics or other closed-loop control applications
• Experience defining or troubleshooting electrical architectures for sensors actuators motors power systems or embedded controllers
• Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level electrical or controls-related issues
• Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
• Experience in astronomy physics or remote sensing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members
• Strong communication task management and cross-functional coordination skills

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current 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 as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click here ITAR Regulations.

Required Experience:

Senior IC