Chief Engineer, Space Payloads

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Developm...

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and air...

Own the technical baseline for programs: Serve as the technical authority across systems engineering, hardware, software, and test, ensuring requirements are achieved and the system delivers mission value
Lead critical reviews: Chair program gate reviews from SRR through TRR, assessing design maturity, readiness, and risk posture
Shape system architecture: Direct the development and integration of architectures spanning payload, ground systems, and mission operations
Guide execution: Oversee engineering performance to deliver on cost, schedule, and technical objectives, including subcontractor oversight
Champion engineering excellence: Enforce standards, processes, and quality while advancing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Digital Engineering
Manage risk & opportunity: Own the program Risk Register, proactively mitigating risks and capturing opportunities to improve performance
Engage with stakeholders: Act as the primary technical interface with customer technical teams, subcontractors, and RLOS leadership
Support growth: Contribute to proposals, technical volumes, and reviews, helping shape future opportunities
Mentor the next generation: Provide leadership and guidance to engineers across disciplines, fostering collaboration, knowledge transfer, and technical excellence

Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline with 12+ years of professional experience
Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
Proven ability to deliver complex aerospace or defense systems on cost, on schedule, and to performance requirements
Prior experience as a chief engineer or technical authority on a program of record or major defense contract
Experience leading large-scale proposals, including technical volumes and customer-facing reviews
Strong record of interfacing with senior government customers and building trusted technical relationships
Ability to motivate and guide teams without direct line authority, achieving alignment across diverse organizations and subcontractors.
Willingness to travel up to 25%
Comfort working in classified environments with sensitive program information
Ability to work in classified environments 25%+ of the time
Master’s degree or PhD in technical discipline
Recent experience supporting space missions, with an emphasis on payload integration
Five+ years working with EO/IR, radar, or hyperspectral sensor technologies, including performance modeling and exploitation
Five+ years developing command & control, mission planning, or tactical ground systems for space assets
Experience with CONOPS development and enterprise-scale architecture(s)
Knowledge of advanced data exploitation, machine learning, and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR)
Experience integrating multi-disciplinary engineering efforts across suppliers and subcontractors
Leadership in the design, production, and integration of large-scale defense or aerospace systems
Hands-on experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods
Track record of achieving technical, cost, and schedule commitments as a chief engineer or technical lead
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical solutions to executives, customers, and non-technical audiences
Ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders and make sound decisions under uncertainty

 

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO