SeniorPrincipal Controls Systems Engineer Secret Clearance

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 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.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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.

SENIOR/PRINCIPAL CONTROLS SYSTEMS ENGINEER SECRET CLEARANCE

Rocket Labs Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space terrestrial and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As aSenior/Principal Controls Systems Engineer based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson AZ you will have the opportunity to design develop and test space-based electro-optical sensors. To be successful in this role you must apply engineering best practices to ensure the success of complex missions in pioneering space projects. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects delivering on the impossible and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Controls Systems Engineer I Senior Controls Systems Engineer II or Principal Controls Systems Engineer level)

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Support the development of system architecture for space-based optical instruments subsystems and payloads on airborne and space platforms with emphasis on electrical architecture and controls integration
• Define decompose and manage system requirements with focus on electrical behavior control functions subsystem interactions and overall system performance
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including architecture descriptions interface control documents electrical interface definitions concepts of operations state and mode descriptions test plans and verification artifacts
• Support development of electrical and functional architectures including command and telemetry flow power distribution control logic signal paths timing synchronization and subsystem interaction
• Collaborate with hardware software firmware and test teams to ensure the electrical architecture and controls implementation align with system requirements and mission intent
• Support the development integration and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms
• Support hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning debugging integration and execution of verification procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinements
• Participate in hardware and software verification and validation activities related to system behavior electrical performance controls implementation and interface compliance
• Support architecture trades involving sensors motor control embedded electronics power systems command and data handling and subsystem interfaces
• Participate in technical interchange meetings and project discussions with internal teams customers and external partners as needed
• Identify assess and help mitigate technical risks related to electrical architecture controls implementation and subsystem integration
• Support travel or off-site work as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SENIOR CONTROLS SYSTEMS ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degree in electrical systems or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• 5 years of engineering experience including 3 years supporting development programs and 2 years in technical leadership CAM IPTL or equivalent role
• Demonstrated systems engineering experience with emphasis on electrical architecture subsystem integration and controls focused development
• Strong electrical engineering background supporting complex aerospace payload avionics or instrument systems
• Experience developing system requirements interface definitions and verification approaches for complex systems
• Strong background in electrical interfaces control functions avionics integration or subsystem architecture
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA DOORS Cameo or similar tools
• Experience working across hardware software and firmware development throughout the lifecycle
• Familiarity with command and telemetry interfaces power architectures signal interfaces timing synchronization and control logic
• Experience supporting integration and test including troubleshooting electrical or controls-related issues at the subsystem or system level
• Strong ability to read interpret and develop electrical interface and system technical documentation
• Familiarity with aerospace development standards environmental testing and mission assurance practices

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SENIOR CONTROLS SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in electrical systems or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• 8 years of engineering experience including 3 years directly supporting development programs and 2 years in project team or technical leadership roles
• CAM and/or IPTL experience
• Demonstrated systems engineering experience with strong emphasis on electrical architecture subsystem integration and controls-focused system development
• Strong background in electrical architecture development for complex aerospace payload avionics or instrument systems
• Demonstrated experience defining and managing electrical interfaces control architectures signal paths and subsystem functional behavior across multiple subsystems
• Proven ability to lead requirements development architecture trades integration planning and system verification for electrically complex systems
• Experience translating mission or customer needs into implementable electrical functional and controls architectures
• Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA DOORS Cameo or similar tools
• Experience with software and firmware development lifecycles as they relate to system architecture controls implementation and hardware/software integration
• Strong knowledge of how to interpret and develop electrical hardware software and interface technical documentation
• Experience troubleshooting integrated hardware and software systems with ability to identify root cause across electrical controls and interface issues
• Experience with hardware interfaces communications protocols command and telemetry paths timing synchronization and subsystem integration
• Experience with space environments and testing regimes including vibe shock radiation thermal EMI or related qualification environments
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and practices
• Excellent task management skills including the ability to prioritize tasks manage resources and deliver results within given constraints
• Ability to provide system-level technical direction from concept development through integration and delivery with emphasis on electrical and controls architecture

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS PRINCIPAL CONTROLS SYSTEMS ENGINEER:

• Bachelors degree in electrical systems or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• 12 years of engineering experience including 5 years directly supporting development programs and 3 years in technical or program leadership roles
• Deep experience leading system architecture for complex payload instrument avionics or aerospace systems
• Recognized technical strength in electrical architecture controls interface management and integration leadership
• Proven ability to own system-level technical direction from concept through delivery
• Experience leading major architecture trades driving cross-discipline decisions and resolving complex technical issues with program impact
• Strong background in requirements interface control verification strategy and system qualification
• Demonstrated experience defining and managing electrical and controls interfaces across multiple subsystems and development teams
• Ability to translate mission needs and customer requirements into executable electrical functional and controls architectures
• Experience representing the technical baseline with customers leadership suppliers and external stakeholders
• Ability to mentor engineers and shape engineering rigor architecture practices interface discipline and integration approaches across multiple programs
• Strong understanding of aerospace standards development lifecycle expectations and mission assurance practices

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Current SSBI clearance
• EO/IR payload integration experience
• Experience with spacecraft bus interfaces payload electrical integration avionics architecture or embedded electronics
• Experience with pointing stabilization gimbals motion control focus/control electronics or other closed-loop control applications
• Experience defining or troubleshooting electrical architectures for sensors actuators motors power systems or embedded controllers
• Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level electrical or controls-related issues
• Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects
• Experience in astronomy physics or remote sensing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members
• Strong communication task management and cross-functional coordination skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit use hands and fingers operate computer keyboard and controls and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust fumes and moderate levels of noise

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.