Senior Systems Engineering

The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. 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.

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.

SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER I

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. 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 I based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to design, develop, and test space-based electro-optical sensors. To be successful in this role, you must apply engineering best practices to ensure the success of complex missions in pioneering space projects. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

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
• QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER I:
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering; 5+ 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
• Strong background in electrical interfaces, control functions, avionics integration, or subsystem architecture
• Experience working across hardware, software, and firmware development throughout the lifecycle
• 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

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
• 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.

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., S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.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 g.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. 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.