Rocket Lab
Senior Systems Engineer I/II - Secret Clearance
Rocket Lab, Chantilly, Virginia, United States, 22021
Location:
Chantilly, VA
Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. Our rockets and satellites enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft to precision payloads and components such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. They have enabled more than 1,700 missions across interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing, national security, and defense initiatives.
Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community customers, delivering scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
Senior Systems Engineer I/II – Optical Systems As a Senior Systems Engineer I/II based at our Optical Systems site in Chantilly, VA, you will design, develop, and test space‑based electro‑optical sensors, applying engineering best practices to ensure mission success in pioneering space projects. You will work with a driven team tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space.
What You’ll Do
Design, integrate, and develop space‑based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms
Define, allocate, and manage technical requirements for space systems
Ensure traceability of requirements throughout the development process and address potential conflicts or issues
Lead requirements definition, allocation, and traceability across the development lifecycle
Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system design descriptions, ICDs, CONOPs, and test plans
Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners
Provide technical management of project requirements, system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance guidelines, and compliance
Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of exquisite payloads
Support hardware and software development teams with system‑level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification test procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinements
Lead hardware and software V&V activities to confirm alignment with program and customer requirements
Provide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance
Participate in technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project discussions
Support the development, testing, and delivery of space payloads; assess and mitigate technical risks
Mentor other engineers on technical topics and V&V methodologies
Support travel or off‑site work, as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications – Senior Systems Engineer I
Bachelor’s degree in systems or aerospace engineering, or another technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
5+ years of engineering experience; 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in project or team leadership
Demonstrable experience in systems engineering, focusing on developing, testing, and integrating space or airborne instruments
Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or Cameo
Experience with the Software Development Life Cycle from requirements to operations and maintenance
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Linux, C, C++, Visual Basic, or other software development languages and tools
Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent
Strong knowledge of interpreting organizational, software, and hardware technical documents
Experience with space environments and testing regimes (vibration, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)
Excellent task management skills, including prioritization, resource management, and delivery under constraints
Knowledge of hardware interfaces and communications protocols
Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices
Qualifications – Senior Systems Engineer II
Bachelor’s degree in systems or aerospace engineering, or another technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
8+ years of engineering experience; 5+ years directly supporting development projects and 3+ years in project or team leadership
Demonstrable experience in systems engineering, focusing on developing, testing, and integrating space or airborne instruments
Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or Cameo
Experience with the Software Development Life Cycle from requirements to operations and maintenance
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Linux, C, C++, Visual Basic, or other software development languages and tools
Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent
Strong knowledge of interpreting organizational, software, and hardware technical documents
Experience with space environments and testing regimes (vibration, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)
Excellent task management skills, including prioritization, resource management, and delivery under constraints
Knowledge of hardware interfaces and communications protocols
Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices
Nice to Have
Current SSBI clearance
Hands‑on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system‑level issues
Experience working with minimal supervision on complex projects
Advanced Excel proficiency (complex formulas, VBA, etc.)
Experience in astronomy, physics, or remote sensing
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
Additional Requirements
Specific vision abilities: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and 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 the office
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise levels
What to Expect We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace; we pride ourselves on having each other’s backs and rolling up our sleeves for every task, big or small. We thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.
Equal Employment Opportunity.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), or individuals eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.
Voluntary Self‑Identification For government reporting purposes, participation in the self‑identification survey is voluntary. Your responses are confidential and will not affect hiring decisions.
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Chantilly, VA
Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. Our rockets and satellites enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft to precision payloads and components such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. They have enabled more than 1,700 missions across interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing, national security, and defense initiatives.
Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community customers, delivering scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
Senior Systems Engineer I/II – Optical Systems As a Senior Systems Engineer I/II based at our Optical Systems site in Chantilly, VA, you will design, develop, and test space‑based electro‑optical sensors, applying engineering best practices to ensure mission success in pioneering space projects. You will work with a driven team tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space.
What You’ll Do
Design, integrate, and develop space‑based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms
Define, allocate, and manage technical requirements for space systems
Ensure traceability of requirements throughout the development process and address potential conflicts or issues
Lead requirements definition, allocation, and traceability across the development lifecycle
Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system design descriptions, ICDs, CONOPs, and test plans
Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners
Provide technical management of project requirements, system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance guidelines, and compliance
Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality of exquisite payloads
Support hardware and software development teams with system‑level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification test procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinements
Lead hardware and software V&V activities to confirm alignment with program and customer requirements
Provide technical oversight of system architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance
Participate in technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project discussions
Support the development, testing, and delivery of space payloads; assess and mitigate technical risks
Mentor other engineers on technical topics and V&V methodologies
Support travel or off‑site work, as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications – Senior Systems Engineer I
Bachelor’s degree in systems or aerospace engineering, or another technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
5+ years of engineering experience; 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in project or team leadership
Demonstrable experience in systems engineering, focusing on developing, testing, and integrating space or airborne instruments
Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or Cameo
Experience with the Software Development Life Cycle from requirements to operations and maintenance
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Linux, C, C++, Visual Basic, or other software development languages and tools
Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent
Strong knowledge of interpreting organizational, software, and hardware technical documents
Experience with space environments and testing regimes (vibration, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)
Excellent task management skills, including prioritization, resource management, and delivery under constraints
Knowledge of hardware interfaces and communications protocols
Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices
Qualifications – Senior Systems Engineer II
Bachelor’s degree in systems or aerospace engineering, or another technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
8+ years of engineering experience; 5+ years directly supporting development projects and 3+ years in project or team leadership
Demonstrable experience in systems engineering, focusing on developing, testing, and integrating space or airborne instruments
Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, Doors, or Cameo
Experience with the Software Development Life Cycle from requirements to operations and maintenance
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, Linux, C, C++, Visual Basic, or other software development languages and tools
Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent
Strong knowledge of interpreting organizational, software, and hardware technical documents
Experience with space environments and testing regimes (vibration, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, corrosion, etc.)
Excellent task management skills, including prioritization, resource management, and delivery under constraints
Knowledge of hardware interfaces and communications protocols
Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices
Nice to Have
Current SSBI clearance
Hands‑on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system‑level issues
Experience working with minimal supervision on complex projects
Advanced Excel proficiency (complex formulas, VBA, etc.)
Experience in astronomy, physics, or remote sensing
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
Additional Requirements
Specific vision abilities: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and 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 the office
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise levels
What to Expect We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace; we pride ourselves on having each other’s backs and rolling up our sleeves for every task, big or small. We thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.
Equal Employment Opportunity.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), or individuals eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.
Voluntary Self‑Identification For government reporting purposes, participation in the self‑identification survey is voluntary. Your responses are confidential and will not affect hiring decisions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr