Principal Systems Engineer - Mission Architecture

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. SPACE SYSTEMS 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, separation systems, radios, and more. 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 Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 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. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: • 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 YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: • 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 THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: • 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 This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $173,000—$260,000 USD WHAT TO EXPECT We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and