Senior Systems Engineer I/II - Secret Clearance

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketlab is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer I/II to join their team in Long Beach, CA. The role involves developing and maintaining technical requirements and budgets, and leading the technical development of spacecraft missions. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in aerospace engineering and an active Secret Clearance.

This position requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work hands-on with flight hardware, making it crucial to have a background supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry for I role.
• 8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry for II role.
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain technical budgets and system requirements.
• Lead technical development of spacecraft missions.
• Assist with program and product management.

Skills

Engineering experience in aerospace

Systems engineering

MATLAB

Python

Requirement management tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or PhD in engineering

Tools

JAMA

DOORS

STK

Job description

Senior Systems Engineer I/II – Long Beach, CA

We are currently seeking a Senior Systems Engineer I/II for our systems engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. Systems engineers are responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. They also work hands‑on with flight hardware and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Systems Engineer I or Senior Systems Engineer II level)

What You’ll Get to Do

• Develop and maintain:
  • Technical budgets for vehicle performance
  • System requirements and verification techniques
  • Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
  • Test methods and data analysis
• Lead and own technical development of spacecraft missions
• Assist with program and product management
• Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents

Qualifications You’ll Bring As Senior Systems Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
• Experience supporting satellite or spacecraft development programs
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI

Qualifications You’ll Bring As Senior Systems Engineer II

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

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have

• Master’s or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated components, including attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space‑ground communications, on‑orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
• Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
• Experience with satellite operations
• Experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.