Principal Systems Engineer - Mission Architecture
Rocket Lab Corporation· Aerospace & Defense· Oct 21, 2026 · 6d ago
Long Beach, CA
In office
Full-time
Principal
$141K–$216K est.
12+ years exp
Job description
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. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $281,000 — $339,000 USD Base Salary $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 out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .
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.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Application prep
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Keywords to mirror
python
- Platform
- greenhouse
- Effort
- quick
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Parental Leave