Rocket Lab
Senior Analyst II/Principal Analyst - Space Payloads (Secret Clearance)
Rocket Lab, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
Senior Analyst II / Principal Analyst - Space Payloads (Secret Clearance)
Join Rocket Lab to apply for the Senior Analyst II/Principal Analyst - Space Payloads (Secret Clearance) role.
About Rocket Lab 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. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch 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. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle, and our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon, Mars, and the James Webb Space Telescope.
Space Systems At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we’re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
Senior Analyst II / Principal Analyst – Space Payloads (Secret Clearance) Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Building on more than 20 years of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation, Optical Systems delivers responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains. The Senior Analyst II/Principal Analyst, based in Tucson, AZ, works closely with design and systems engineering team members to provide quantitative technical guidance and performance assessment.
What You’ll Get To Do
Collaborate with researchers on projects related to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision
Perform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems
Contribute strong programming ability to develop robust solutions for real‑world problems
Validate, optimize, and deploy advanced exploitation algorithms
Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new code to ensure stability and robustness
Guide/author data collection and analysis software
Collaborate closely with firmware development and electronics interface control
Design calibration and characterization experiments
Use investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop field‑based resolutions
Work proactively to complete tasks with little direction
Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and multidisciplinary team members
Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization on project matters
Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
Manage time and resources to meet deadlines
Support travel or off‑site work as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
You’ll Bring These Qualifications As Senior Analyst II
Bachelor’s degree in science or another technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
8+ years of professional experience
Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones
You’ll Bring These Qualifications As Principal Analyst
Bachelor’s degree in science or another technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
12+ years of professional experience
Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones
These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have
Master’s or PhD in science or a technical discipline
Hands‑on expertise with electro‑optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, or military/space payloads
Working knowledge of MATLAB, Python, and C++ and expertise in computer interfacing techniques
Expertise in modeling and simulation
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Experience in a dynamic high‑visibility role
Team player incorporating a team‑based success philosophy
Additional Requirements
Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, 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 buildings
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 unwavering commitment. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on supporting each other, checking egos at the door, and rolling up sleeves for tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.
Important Information
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or persons with required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. Only messages for this purpose will be considered.
For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: background checks will be undertaken before any employment offers. Checks include nationality checks, as it is a requirement of this position to be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by U.S. ITAR. Eligibility requires citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or a NATO country, or holding eligible dual citizenship. For more information, see ITAR Regulations.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or persons with required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. Only messages for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
IS IT EXPIRING? This position is currently open. No evidence indicates it has expired.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About Rocket Lab 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. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch 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. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle, and our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon, Mars, and the James Webb Space Telescope.
Space Systems At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we’re building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
Senior Analyst II / Principal Analyst – Space Payloads (Secret Clearance) Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Building on more than 20 years of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation, Optical Systems delivers responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains. The Senior Analyst II/Principal Analyst, based in Tucson, AZ, works closely with design and systems engineering team members to provide quantitative technical guidance and performance assessment.
What You’ll Get To Do
Collaborate with researchers on projects related to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision
Perform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems
Contribute strong programming ability to develop robust solutions for real‑world problems
Validate, optimize, and deploy advanced exploitation algorithms
Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new code to ensure stability and robustness
Guide/author data collection and analysis software
Collaborate closely with firmware development and electronics interface control
Design calibration and characterization experiments
Use investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop field‑based resolutions
Work proactively to complete tasks with little direction
Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and multidisciplinary team members
Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization on project matters
Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
Manage time and resources to meet deadlines
Support travel or off‑site work as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
You’ll Bring These Qualifications As Senior Analyst II
Bachelor’s degree in science or another technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
8+ years of professional experience
Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones
You’ll Bring These Qualifications As Principal Analyst
Bachelor’s degree in science or another technical discipline
Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
12+ years of professional experience
Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones
These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have
Master’s or PhD in science or a technical discipline
Hands‑on expertise with electro‑optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, or military/space payloads
Working knowledge of MATLAB, Python, and C++ and expertise in computer interfacing techniques
Expertise in modeling and simulation
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Experience in a dynamic high‑visibility role
Team player incorporating a team‑based success philosophy
Additional Requirements
Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, 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 buildings
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 unwavering commitment. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on supporting each other, checking egos at the door, and rolling up sleeves for tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.
Important Information
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or persons with required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. Only messages for this purpose will be considered.
For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: background checks will be undertaken before any employment offers. Checks include nationality checks, as it is a requirement of this position to be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by U.S. ITAR. Eligibility requires citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or a NATO country, or holding eligible dual citizenship. For more information, see ITAR Regulations.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or persons with required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. Only messages for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
IS IT EXPIRING? This position is currently open. No evidence indicates it has expired.
#J-18808-Ljbffr