Principal Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance

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 and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

About 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and review of spacecraft system engineering, including:
  • Requirement derivation
  • System and subsystem requirement verification techniques
  • Vehicle performance budgets
  • Test methods and data analysis
  • Simulation and analysis
• Technical leadership in future architectures, platform, and payloads for future missions both internal and external
• Assist or lead system and subsystem architectural developments for existing missions
• Assist with program and product management

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• 12+ years of experience supporting satellite or spacecraft programs
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their associated components
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
• Experience with satellite operations

Qualifications

These qualifications would be nice to have:

• Master’s or PhD in an engineering or other technical discipline
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
• Experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing
• 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.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $180,000 USD - $260,000 USD

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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • 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
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Additional perks:
  • Subsidized EV charging
  • Onsite fitness centers (where available)
  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Complimentary snacks and beverages
  • 50% employee discount on our popular merch store
  • A variety of other employee discounts

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success.