Principal Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance

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, separati...

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 Develop...

Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Principal Engineer is responsible for overseeing our various satellite programs. You will support the Space Systems Chief Engineer, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

Provide oversight and review of spacecraft system engineering, including:
Requirement derivation
System and subsystem requirement verification techniques
Vehicle performance budgets
Test methods and data analysis
Simulation and analysis
Technical leadership in future architectures, platform, and payloads for future missions both internal and external
Assist or lead system and subsystem architectural developments for existing missions
Assist with program and product management

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
Active TS/SCI clearance
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
12+ years of experience supporting satellite or spacecraft programs
Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their associated components
Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
Experience with satellite operations
Master’s or PhD in an engineering or other technical discipline
Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
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

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO