Senior Space Robotics Systems Engineer Lead

Rocket Lab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase program

Dental and vision coverage

Medical plans (HMO/PPO)

401(k) retirement plan with company‑m*

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA, seeks a Senior Systems Engineer II for the Robotics/Space Systems team to own the architecture and verification of complex robotic systems. You will coordinate mechanical, electrical, software, and controls teams to deliver integrated space‑flight hardware and subsystems.

You will lead technical reviews, develop ICDs/CONOPS, and mentor junior engineers while supporting program management with technical inputs. This role requires US citizenship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field related to aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, robotics, or systems engineering.
• 8+ years of engineering experience delivering robotic or electromechanical systems.
• Experience as technical lead, cognizant engineer, or system owner.
• Experience in requirements development, integration, and verification/validation.
• Hands‑on robotics hardware and software troubleshooting.
• Ability to coordinate software, controls, electrical, and mechanical teams.
• Experience interfacing with customers and leading technical reviews.
• U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR/program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Act as project technical lead or cognizant engineer for complex robotic systems and subsystems.
• Own system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verification methods.
• Develop and manage ICDs with traceability from customer needs to specs.
• Lead cross‑functional execution and drive major technical decisions and risk mitigation.
• Define hardware‑software interfaces and system operating modes.
• Lead integration and troubleshooting of robotics hardware, controls software, and test systems.
• Develop CONOPS, verification plans, and technical budgets.
• Plan and lead system integration, verification, and acceptance activities.
• Lead formal technical reviews and present status to customers.

Skills

Robotics systems

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Cross‑team coordination

Requirements management

V&V

ROS/ROS2 proficiency

Hardware‑software integration

Education

Bachelor's degree (aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, robotics, systems engineering)

Tools

Python

C++

MATLAB

RO S/ROS2

Job description

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA, seeks a Senior Systems Engineer II for the Robotics/Space Systems team to own the architecture and verification of complex robotic systems. You will coordinate mechanical, electrical, software, and controls teams to deliver integrated space‑flight hardware and subsystems.

You will lead technical reviews, develop ICDs/CONOPS, and mentor junior engineers while supporting program management with technical inputs. This role requires US citizenship.