Tucson, AZ On-site

Rocket Lab is hiring a Systems Engineer II - Secret Clearance

About the Role

The Systems Engineer II will integrate system components, develop technical documentation, and ensure compliance with program requirements while working across multidisciplinary teams on advanced aerospace projects.

Responsibilities

  • Develop system architectures and interface definitions
  • Lead technical reviews and contribute to design validation
  • Translate mission objectives into system-level requirements
  • Coordinate with subsystem teams to ensure integration success
  • Support verification and validation testing activities
  • Maintain system models and documentation throughout project lifecycle
  • Identify and resolve cross-domain technical issues
  • Ensure compliance with security and engineering standards
  • Participate in risk assessment and mitigation planning
  • Facilitate communication between engineering disciplines
  • Track technical performance metrics and requirement traceability
  • Support test operations and anomaly resolution
  • Contribute to system safety and reliability analyses
  • Manage configuration control for system-level designs
  • Develop test procedures and support data review
  • Interface with government and contractor stakeholders
  • Ensure technical alignment with program schedule and goals
  • Apply systems engineering best practices to complex challenges
  • Support mission readiness and launch operations
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and methodologies

Nice to Have

  • Master's degree in engineering or related field
  • Experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft systems
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
  • Active Top Secret clearance
  • Experience working with government agencies
  • Knowledge of space mission operations
  • Experience in agile development environments
  • Certification in systems engineering (e.g., INCOSE)
  • Background in avionics or propulsion systems
  • Proficiency with systems engineering software tools

Compensation

Competitive salary and benefits package

Work Arrangement

Hybrid work model with flexible scheduling

Team

Collaborative engineering team focused on aerospace systems development

Security Requirement

Applicant must hold an active U.S. Secret security clearance. Verification will be required prior to hire. Position eligibility is contingent upon maintaining clearance status throughout employment.

Location

This role is based in El Segundo, California. Occasional travel to test or launch sites may be required. Hybrid work schedule allows for partial remote work based on project phase and team needs.

Not available for this position

About company
Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components, and on-orbit management.

As a global leader in launch and space systems, we are transforming the way we access and use space. Our capabilities span the space economy, including satellite design and manufacture, space software and components, and reliable launch services.

We started with small launch, pioneering an industry-defining launch vehicle, Electron, now the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket. But we haven’t stopped at small satellite launch. Right now, we’re developing the next generation large launch vehicle, Neutron, to launch the constellations and large spacecraft missions of the future that will provide vital data and services to Earth.

Rocket Lab is a premier supplier of flight-proven satellites, subsystems and spacecraft components. The company’s extensive line of small and medium class spacecraft platforms support a wide range of mission profiles for the commercial, civil and defense markets. At a component level, Rocket Lab spacecraft technology spans space solar power, advanced composite structures, flight software, star trackers, reaction wheels, separation systems, and radios.

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Job Details
Department Space Systems
Category other
Posted 9 days ago