Principal Systems Engineer - Mission Architecture

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...

PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER – MISSION ARCHITECTURE

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Principal Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the formulation of all new satellite systems, supporting capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business. You will manage the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process, including validation of customer requirements. You will support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the broader Space Systems Business Development organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
Lead Rocket Lab’s satellite engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture
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
Work directly with customers and our internal leadership team to shape requirements and write the core architecture for key proposals

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
12+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
US citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Active TS/SCI clearance
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
Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with team and internal/external customers
Previous experience with proposals and tech volume authorship
Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
Experience with satellite operations
Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO