Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more to open access space. Our Electron rockets and Space Systems enable missions in science, Earth observation, climate initiatives, national security, and technology demonstrations. Our Space Systems team designs spacecraft, payloads, and components such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. We are building a future of space, enabling missions to the Moon and Mars and supporting NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Role: Systems Engineer II / Senior Systems Engineer I (level determined at hire).

What you’ll do

• Guide development of innovative space mechanisms from ideation through implementation
• Lead requirements definition, allocation, traceability, verification, and system validation across the development lifecycle
• Ensure requirements traceability and address potential conflicts or issues
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs
• Create and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plans
• Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and progress to internal stakeholders and external partners
• Provide technical management of project requirements, system architecture, system interfaces, mission assurance guidelines, and system compliance
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users
• Own significant aspects of project reviews and technical interchange meetings
• Mentor other engineers
• Support travel or off-site work, as-needed

Qualifications

System Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field
• 2+ years of experience in systems engineering supporting mechanical development projects
• Familiarity with aerospace standards, environments and requirements
• Experience with requirements management tools such as JAMA

Senior Systems Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering; 2+ of those related to mechanical development projects
• Thorough understanding of aerospace standards, environments and requirements
• Thorough understanding of established aerospace systems engineering approaches such as NASA SP 6105
• Experience with requirements management tools such as JAMA

Nice to have

• Involvement with aerospace mechanism development
• Strong communication and problem solving skills
• Ability to manage complex projects across organizational teams

Additional requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

Base pay and benefits

Base salary is determined on a case-by-case basis. Base pay range (MD only): $93,000 - $135,000 USD. This role may be eligible for additional rewards including equity and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, and retirement plan options.

What to expect

We pursue space-enabled breakthroughs with hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to delivering results. We value collaboration, accountability, and hands-on problem solving as we pursue challenging missions.

Equal opportunity and accessibility

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We value diversity and inclusion and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application process should contact the recruiter.

How to apply

To apply for this role, submit your resume and complete the required fields as part of the application process. (This summary is not a job listing with all details; refer to the official posting for complete terms.)