Senior Space Systems Engineer (Secret Clearance)

Rocketlab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior/Principal Systems Engineer for its Optical Systems division in Tucson, AZ. You will design and test space-based electro‑optical sensors, manage system requirements, and lead verification activities across the development lifecycle.

You'll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, prepare system documentation, and mentor engineers while supporting hardware and software development for space payloads. A Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• 5+ years of engineering experience; 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in leadership
• Experience with space or airborne instruments and systems engineering
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Linux, and C/C++
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools (JAMA/Doors/Cameo)
• Knowledge of space environments and testing regimes (vibe, shock, radiation, etc.)
• Strong task management and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test space-based electro-optical sensors and payloads
• Define, allocate, and manage technical requirements for space systems
• Lead verification and validation activities across programs
• Prepare technical documentation (design descriptions, ICDs, CONOPs, test plans)
• Mentor engineers on V&V methodologies
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for seamless integration
• Support hardware/software development and system-level test planning

Skills

Systems engineering

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Linux

V&V

Requirements management

Education

Bachelor's degree in systems or aerospace engineering

Tools

JAMA

Doors

Cameo

Simulink

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior/Principal Systems Engineer for its Optical Systems division in Tucson, AZ. You will design and test space-based electro‑optical sensors, manage system requirements, and lead verification activities across the development lifecycle.

You'll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, prepare system documentation, and mentor engineers while supporting hardware and software development for space payloads. A Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility is required.