Senior Space Payloads Engineer – Technical Lead

Rocketlab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, Arizona, seeks a Principal Engineer to lead the design and integration of advanced space-based electro-optical sensor systems. This role requires a strong engineering background with over 12 years of experience and active Secret/Top Secret clearance.

You will guide a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring mission success while fostering innovation. Expect to oversee engineering performance and maintain technical standards across complex aerospace and defense projects, contributing directly to national security initiatives.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of professional experience in engineering.
• Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 8+ years of experience leading engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of electro-optical systems.
• Chair program gate reviews to assess design maturity.
• Oversee engineering performance related to cost and schedule.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering management

Technical authority

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Job description

Rocket Lab in Tucson, Arizona, seeks a Principal Engineer to lead the design and integration of advanced space-based electro-optical sensor systems. This role requires a strong engineering background with over 12 years of experience and active Secret/Top Secret clearance.

You will guide a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring mission success while fostering innovation. Expect to oversee engineering performance and maintain technical standards across complex aerospace and defense projects, contributing directly to national security initiatives.