👷 Senior Systems Engineer | Space Systems

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

Rocket Lab is the global leader in small satellite launch. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. There are endless possibilities for what we can achieve with better access to space, and that access is now a reality thanks to Rocket Lab. Collaboration is at our core - every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

 While other companies talk about it, we do it!

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution to an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. Space Systems is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in Low Earth Orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, Mars, and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar. Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.

Based out of Rocket Lab's NZ headquarters in Auckland, NZ, the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer is responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. You will support the Director Space Systems NZ, and Chief Engineer Space Systems, with deliverables required for spacecraft program development, internal leadership, and investors.

Essential Skills

• A Bachelor of Science degree (or greater) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience specifically on aerospace/satellite development programs, which can be anywhere from initial design through on-orbit operations
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their associated components, including attitude determination and control, spacecraft electrical power systems, space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling, and thermal control.
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics.
• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities
• Experience with requirements management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
• Experience with development and execution of environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum, EMI, or random vibration testing

This is a senior role in the team and your expertise in your area will be well received when it comes to mentoring and leading those around you. If you’re ready to launch your career to the next step then pop in your application and lets chat.

Rocket Lab Employee Benefits:

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground-breaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit and snacks
• Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Department of State.

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.