Senior/Principal Systems Engineer - Secret Clearance
Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Senior/Principal Systems Engineer to join our Optical Systems division in Tucson, AZ. This role focuses on designing, developing, and testing space-based electro-optical sensors for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative payload designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments, supporting our mission to revolutionize the space-based payload market.
Key responsibilities include designing and integrating space-based optical instruments and subsystems, defining and managing technical requirements, and ensuring traceability throughout the development process. The engineer will lead requirements definition, allocation, and verification across the development lifecycle, prepare technical documentation, and generate reports and presentations for stakeholders. Additionally, the role involves providing technical management of project requirements, system architecture, and mission assurance guidelines, as well as supporting the development and testing of space payloads for integration on spacecraft platforms.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in systems or aerospace engineering or a related technical discipline, an active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility, and relevant engineering experience. The candidate should have demonstrable experience in systems engineering, particularly in developing, testing, and integrating space or airborne instruments. Proficiency with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, DOORS, or Cameo is essential, along with experience in the software development lifecycle and proficiency in programming languages like Python, MATLAB, or C++. A strong understanding of space environments and testing regimes, as well as excellent task management skills, is also required.
Rocket Lab offers a dynamic work environment where employees are encouraged to tackle challenging projects and make a significant impact on the future of space. The company values teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Employees have the opportunity to work on pioneering space projects, contributing to missions that support scientific exploration, Earth observation, and national security initiatives.