Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer - TS/SCI ClearanceLong Beach, CARocket 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.Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Principal Engineer is responsible for overseeing our various satellite programs. You will support the Space Systems Chief Engineer, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.What You'll Get To Do:Provide oversight and review of spacecraft system engineering, including:Requirement derivationSystem and subsystem requirement verification techniquesVehicle performance budgetsTest methods and data analysisSimulation and analysisTechnical leadership in future architectures, platform, and payloads for future missions both internal and externalAssist or lead system and subsystem architectural developments for existing missionsAssist with program and product managementYou'll Bring These Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical disciplineActive TS/SCI clearanceU.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements12+ years of experience supporting satellite or spacecraft programsUnderstanding of spacecraft subsystems and their associated componentsThorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamicsExperience with satellite operationsThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Master's or PhD in an engineering or other technical disciplineExperience with MATLAB, Python, and STKExperience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testingAbility to work in a dynamic environment with competing prioritiesThis 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.Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Total Compensation (base and equity)$223,000 - $339,000 USDBase Salary$173,000 - $260,000 USDWe'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.