Lead Systems Engineer, Space Optics & Payloads

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Lead Systems Engineer to drive electrical architecture, system requirements, and interfaces for space payloads supporting SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

You will collaborate with hardware, software, and test teams to develop documentation and verification procedures, while leading trades in sensors, power, and control systems. 12+ years in engineering and strong leadership are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering required.
• 12+ years engineering experience with 3+ years in development programs and 2+ years in technical leadership roles.
• Experience in electrical architecture, subsystem integration, and controls-focused development.
• Strong background in electrical interfaces, avionics integration, or subsystem architecture.
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools (JAMA, DOORS, Cameo).
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop technical documentation for complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Support development of system architecture for space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads with emphasis on electrical architecture and controls integration.
• Define and manage system requirements with focus on electrical behavior and subsystem interactions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including architecture descriptions, interface control documents, and test plans.
• Support development of electrical and functional architectures, including command/telemetry flow, power distribution, and control logic.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, firmware, and test teams to ensure alignment with requirements and mission intent.
• Participate in hardware and software verification and validation activities related to system behavior and electrical performance.

Skills

Systems engineering

Electrical architecture

Aerospace instrumentation

Requirements management

Documentation

Cross-functional leadership

CAM/IPTL

Hardware-software-firmware integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering

Tools

JAMA

DOORS

Cameo

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ seeks a Lead Systems Engineer to drive electrical architecture, system requirements, and interfaces for space payloads supporting SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

You will collaborate with hardware, software, and test teams to develop documentation and verification procedures, while leading trades in sensors, power, and control systems. 12+ years in engineering and strong leadership are required.