Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – with the goal of opening access space.

The Space Systems team designs and builds 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.

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA's Artemis program, and we are developing new capabilities to enable future space missions.

This role offers a rare opportunity to join a growing team in Auckland, NZ, collaborating with exceptionally talented people to push boundaries and reshape what is possible.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's NZ headquarters in Auckland, NZ, the Senior Systems Engineer follows the entire lifecycle of spacecraft missions : conceptual design, subsystems sizing and requirements definition, the build phase with overseeing build and test campaigns, and launch campaign activities.

You will support mission operations as the spacecraft expert to ensure complete mission success for Rocket Lab and its customers.

Day-to-day you will be involved with :

Define mission and system requirements to support mission objectives

Develop technical budgets and systems analysis to ensure vehicle performance and reliability

Define, implement, and carry out subsystem and system level test plans and procedures for requirements verification and validation

Guide technicians and determine integration flow for optimal spacecraft build and assembly

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop end-to-end solutions, for example

Propulsion – integrate propulsion capability into spacecraft design

Vehicle design – ensure requirements are met and optimize spacecraft fit on a small rocket

GNC – integrate sensors and actuators for advanced on-orbit maneuvers

Provide program support to team leads and program managers as a technical interface between Auckland, NZ and Long Beach, USA

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS :

A Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred)

Proven experience (5+ years) on aerospace / satellite development programs, including leadership roles

Understanding of spacecraft subsystems and components (attitude determination and control, electrical power, space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling, thermal control)

Knowledge of space environment, materials selection, radiation effects, and degradation factors

Experience testing electrical subsystems and assemblies (functional, performance, environmental)

Proficiency in systems engineering tools (e.g., JAMA), simulation software (e.g., Simulink, STK), and programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab)

Experience with environmental testing (thermal vacuum, EMI, random vibration)

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a can-do attitude

Excellent communication and teamwork abilities with a passion for space exploration

Experience developing and implementing process improvements within engineering teams

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

Proven project management / leadership skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

Demonstrated leadership, including mentoring junior engineers and leading cross-functional teams

Experience designing and building flight or test harnesses

Experience with satellite operations on orbit

Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing

Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements for space systems

Experience with advanced simulation and modelling tools (beyond essentials)

Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques and materials for space

Experience with mission planning and analysis tools

Publications or patents in relevant fields

If this sounds good to you, please Apply Now.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth.

The work requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and a commitment to achieving what others deem impossible.

We thrive under pressure and tight deadlines, focusing on delivering results while supporting one another.

REGULATORY AND EEO NOTES

For candidates seeking to work in US offices : Rocket Lab must comply with ITAR; applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required authorizations.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application process should contact the company.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices : Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers due to security and export control requirements.

Citizenship or eligibility to access controlled information may be required.

Additional information about export controls and eligibility is provided by the company.

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