Lead Space Payloads Architect & Technical Authority

Rocket Lab Corp.; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next‑generation space-based electro‑optical sensors. You will guide a multi‑disciplinary team from requirements to integration, test, and sustainment, ensuring mission success and advancing innovation.

The role requires 12+ years in aerospace/defense, active clearance, and proven ability to deliver complex systems on time and budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 12+ years of experience.
• Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Proven ability to deliver complex aerospace or defense systems on cost, schedule, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority across systems engineering, hardware, software, and test.
• Chair program gate reviews from SRR through TRR and assess readiness and risk.
• Direct development of architectures spanning payload, ground systems, and mission operations.

Skills

Technical leadership

Systems engineering

Proposals & reviews

Stakeholder interfacing

MBSE & Digital Engineering

Team mentoring

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s or PhD (nice-to-have)

Tools

MBSE

Digital Engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of next‑generation space-based electro‑optical sensors. You will guide a multi‑disciplinary team from requirements to integration, test, and sustainment, ensuring mission success and advancing innovation.

The role requires 12+ years in aerospace/defense, active clearance, and proven ability to deliver complex systems on time and budget.