SPACE SYSTEMSRocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.PRINCIPAL SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS ENGINEERBased out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, thePrincipal Spacecraft Systems Engineeris 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 Chief Space Systems Engineer and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:Develop and maintain:Technical budgets for vehicle performanceSystem requirements and verification techniquesSimulations and analysis across vehicle functionsTest methods and data analysisLead and own technical development of spacecraft missionsAssist with program and product managementDevelop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documentsYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)12+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industryExperience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programsTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: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 controlThorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamicsExperience with MATLAB, Python, and STKExperience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORSExperience with satellite operationsExperience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the loop (HITL) testingAbility to work in a dynamic environment with competing prioritiesADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildingsOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
