Principal Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Job Description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Principal Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join their Space Systems team in Littleton, CO. This role involves the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. The Principal Spacecraft Systems Engineer will support the Chief Space Systems Engineer and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

The Space Systems team at Rocket Lab is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab.

What this role involves:

• Developing and maintaining technical budgets for vehicle performance.
• Creating system requirements and verification techniques.
• Performing simulations and analysis across vehicle functions.
• Leading and owning technical development of spacecraft missions.
• Assisting with program and product management.
• Developing interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline).
• 12+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs.

Nice to have:

• 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.
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK.
• Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS.
• Experience with satellite operations.
• Experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the loop (HITL) testing.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.

What Rocket Lab offers:

• Company stock.
• Cash incentives.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan options.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Other discounts and perks.