Senior Systems Engineer I/II - Secret Clearance

Position Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company revolutionizing access to space through responsive launch services and innovative space systems. As a SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER I/II - SECRET CLEARANCE in the Optical Systems division based in Tucson, AZ, you will design, develop, and test space-based electro‐optical sensors and payloads. Your work will support mission‐critical challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers, ensuring successful integration and performance in demanding space and airborne environments.

Working alongside a world-class team, you will apply engineering best practices to support groundbreaking missions—from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and develop space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for both airborne and space platforms.
• Define, allocate, and manage technical requirements, ensuring traceability throughout the development process.
• Lead requirements definition and verification activities, preparing technical documentation (system design descriptions, ICDs, CONOPs, test plans) and generating technical reports.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support hardware and software development, integration, and system-level test planning.
• Provide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, and mission assurance while mentoring junior engineers.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings and represent the organization during project discussions.
• Support the development, testing, and delivery of space payloads and mitigate technical risks as they arise.
• Ability to support travel or off-site work when needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in systems, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• For Senior Systems Engineer I: 5+ years of engineering experience with at least 3 years supporting development projects and 2+ years in leadership; for Senior Systems Engineer II: 8+ years with 5+ years in project support and 3+ years in leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering, including the development, testing, and integration of space or airborne instruments.
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or Cameo, and familiarity with the Software Development Lifecycle.
• Proficiency in programming languages and tools such as Python, MATLAB, Linux, C, C++, or Visual Basic, and in system modeling tools like MATLAB, Simulink, or Cameo.
• Knowledge of space environments and testing regimes (vibration, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.), hardware interfaces, and communication protocols.
• Excellent task management skills and the ability to interpret technical documents and industry standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current SSBI clearance.
• Hands-on expertise in troubleshooting and resolution of system-level issues.
• 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 to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.