Senior Space Software Systems Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab, a leader in space systems, seeks a Senior Software Systems Engineer II in Tucson, AZ. You will design and test software for space-based optical instruments and payloads, manage requirements, and oversee software/firmware integration across missions.

This role emphasizes leadership, verification, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within a fast-paced Space Systems team. You’ll work closely with flight software, systems engineering, and program management, mentoring peers and

Qualifications

• Active clearance
• 8+ years engineering experience in aerospace with 2+ years in software development and 1+ year in leadership
• Strong ability to interpret software/hardware technical documents
• Experience in systems software engineering with space/airborne instruments
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools (JAMA/DOORS/JIRA/Cameo)
• Experience supporting development programs
• U.S. citizenship is required for program eligibility

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and develop software for space-based optical instruments and payloads on airborne/space platforms
• Interpret system architecture and allocate software/firmware requirements across interfaces
• Manage SW/FW development pipeline from requirements to build, test, and release
• Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance
• Define software system requirements and verification techniques
• Run simulations and analyses across vehicle functions
• Plan and execute tests and analyze data
• Provide oversight of software architecture, interfaces, and mission assurance
• Support program and product management activities
• Create interface specifications and CONOPS with team
• Support development/testing of space payloads on spacecraft
• Lead software verification campaigns on flatsats/units
• Ensure as-tested configurations match intended verification
• Author and verify software/firmware requirements and traceability
• Participate in TIMs and represent the organization
• Mentor engineers on systems engineering, requirements, and V&V
• Travel or off-site work as needed

Skills

Clearance

Aerospace experience

Systems software engineering

Requirements analysis

Leadership

Technical documentation interpretation

Tools

JAMA

DOORS

JIRA

Cameo

Job description

Rocket Lab, a leader in space systems, seeks a Senior Software Systems Engineer II in Tucson, AZ. You will design and test software for space-based optical instruments and payloads, manage requirements, and oversee software/firmware integration across missions.

This role emphasizes leadership, verification, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within a fast-paced Space Systems team. You’ll work closely with flight software, systems engineering, and program management, mentoring peers and