Senior Space Systems Architect - Mission Design Lead

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team designs and builds complete spacecraft and subsystems for diverse missions, including interplanetary and national security initiatives. The Senior Systems Engineer I will lead formulation, budgets, and requirements, working with leadership and customers on core architecture for proposals.

The role requires a strong engineering background, at least 5 years in aerospace, and the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for program eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.
• Experience with satellite/spacecraft development programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation of satellite systems for new opportunities.
• Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance.
• Define system requirements and verification approaches.
• Create simulations and analyses across vehicle functions.
• Lead spacecraft mission development and support product management.
• Collaborate on interface specs and CONOPS with team.

Skills

Satellite development

Aerospace industry

Customer-facing

System architecture

Proposals & writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or PhD in engineering (desirable)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

STK

CAD

JAMA/DOORS

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team designs and builds complete spacecraft and subsystems for diverse missions, including interplanetary and national security initiatives. The Senior Systems Engineer I will lead formulation, budgets, and requirements, working with leadership and customers on core architecture for proposals.

The role requires a strong engineering background, at least 5 years in aerospace, and the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for program eligibility.