Senior Systems Engineer I/II - Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab USA Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA Inc. is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer based in Tucson, AZ. In this role, you will design and develop space-based optical systems while ensuring compliance with technical requirements. The position involves hands-on work with flight hardware and extensive collaboration across engineering teams.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and at least 5 years of experience in the aerospace sector, including project leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Experience directly supporting development projects.
• Demonstrable experience in systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and develop space-based optical instruments.
• Manage technical budgets and requirements.
• Oversee testing and data analysis.

Skills

Engineering experience

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Technical documentation interpretation

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

JAMA

Doors

Cameo

Job description

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space‑based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

Senior Systems Engineer

As a Senior Systems Engineer based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to design, develop, and test space‑based electro‑optical sensors. 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:

• Design, integrate, and develop space‑based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms
• Develop and maintain:
• Technical budgets for vehicle performance
• System requirements and verification techniques
• Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions
• Test methods and data analysis
• Provide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance
• Assist with program and product management
• Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents
• Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
• Ability to support travel or off‑site work, as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Active Clearance
• 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry; with 2+ years directly supporting development projects and 1+ years in project or team leadership
• A strong knowledge of how to interpret organizational, software, and hardware technical documents
• Demonstrable experience in systems engineering, with a strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating with space or airborne instruments
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or Cameo
• Experience supporting development programs
• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Active Clearance8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry; with 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in project or team leadership
• CAM and/or IPTL experience
• A strong knowledge of how to interpret organizational, software, and hardware technical documents
• Demonstrable experience in systems engineering, with a strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating with space or airborne instruments
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or Cameo
• Experience supporting development programsFamiliarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices
• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Master’s or PhD in engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• EO/IR payload integration experience
• Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent
• Experience with space environments and testing regimes (vibe, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)
• Experience with the Software Development Lifecycle from requirements development through systems operations and maintenance
• Knowledge of hardware interfaces and communications protocols
• Hands‑on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system‑level issues
• Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
• Experience in astronomy, physics, or remote sensing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools and technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust and fumes in production areas

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.