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Rocket Lab · 1 day ago

Senior Systems Engineer II/Principal Systems Engineer - Secret Clearance

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company focused on delivering responsive launch services and innovative spacecraft solutions. The Senior Systems Engineer II/Principal Systems Engineer role involves designing, developing, and testing space-based electro-optical sensors while ensuring the success of complex missions in pioneering space projects.

AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Design, integrate, and develop space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms

Define, allocate, and manage technical requirements for space systems

Ensure traceability of requirements throughout the development process and address potential conflicts or issues

Lead requirements definition, allocation, traceability, and verification across the development lifecycle

Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system design descriptions, ICDs, CONOPs, and test plans

Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners

Provide technical management of project requirements, system architecture, system interfaces, mission assurance guidelines, and system compliance

Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms

Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of exquisite payloads

Support hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification test procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinements

Lead hardware and software V&V activities to confirm alignment with program and customer requirements

Provide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance

Participate in technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project discussions

Support the development, testing, and delivery of space payloads; assess and mitigate technical risks

Mentor other engineers on technical topics and V&V methodologies

Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification

Systems engineeringElectro-optical sensorsRequirements managementSoftware Development LifecyclePythonMATLABC++Space environmentsTechnical documentationTask managementTeam leadershipCommunication skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in systems or aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline

Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility

8+ years of engineering experience; with 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in project or team leadership (for Senior Systems Engineer II)

12+ years of engineering experience; with 5+ years directly supporting development projects and 3+ years in project or team leadership (for Principal Systems Engineer)

CAM and/or IPTL experience

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 with the Software Development Lifecycle from requirements development through systems operations and maintenance

Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Linux, C, C++, Visual Basic, or other software development languages and tools

Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent

A strong knowledge of how to interpret organizational, software, and hardware technical documents

Experience with space environments and testing regimes (vibe, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)

Excellent task management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraints

Knowledge of hardware interfaces and communications protocols

Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices

Preferred

Current SSBI clearance

EO/IR payload integration experience

Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level issues

Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects

Advanced proficiency with Excel, including complex formulas, mathematical modeling, and VBA macro creation

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