Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer - TS/SCI ClearanceBased 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.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. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$180,000 - $260,000 USDWhat To ExpectWe'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.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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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.