Senior Space Systems Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Systems Engineer II to lead budgets, requirements, and verification for civil, commercial, and defense spacecraft programs. You’ll work hands-on with flight hardware, driving technical development of missions and collaborating with cross‑functional teams.

The role requires 8+ years of aerospace engineering, a Bachelor’s degree, and an active Secret Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK is a plus.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical discipline).
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance.
• Define system requirements and verification techniques.
• Run simulations and analyses across vehicle functions.
• Develop test methods and analyze data.
• Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions.
• Assist with program and product management.
• Create interface specifications and CONOPS with the team.

Skills

8+ years aerospace experience

Active Secret Clearance

Space systems engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

STK

JAMA/DOORS

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Systems Engineer II to lead budgets, requirements, and verification for civil, commercial, and defense spacecraft programs. You’ll work hands-on with flight hardware, driving technical development of missions and collaborating with cross‑functional teams.

The role requires 8+ years of aerospace engineering, a Bachelor’s degree, and an active Secret Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK is a plus.