SeniorPrincipal Systems Engineer, Modeling Simulation & Analysis 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 and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including 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 and 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 vertically integrated components that help missions get to space our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR/PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER MODELING SIMULATION & ANALYSIS 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 Systems Engineerbased at our Optical Systems site in Tucson AZ you will work closely with design and systems engineering team members to provide quantitative technical guidance requirements decomposition modeling and simulation algorithm assessment and EO/IR sensor performance evaluation. 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 Systems Engineer II or Principal Systems Engineer level)

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Collaborate with researchers on projects related to machine learning artificial intelligence and computer vision
• Perform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to support integration into operational systems
• Develop and modify simulations for the design prototyping integration testing and performance assessment of EO/IR sensor hardware and algorithms
• Contribute strong programming ability and technical judgment to develop robust solutions for real-world mission problems
• Validate optimize and deploy advanced exploitation algorithms including algorithm design implementation analysis testing and optimization
• Guide and author data collection analysis and performance assessment software
• Decompose high-level customer requirements into EO/IR subsystem requirements to inform hardware software firmware and systems engineering execution
• Collaborate closely with firmware development electronics interface control hardware engineering software engineering and systems engineering teams
• Design calibration and characterization experiments for EO/IR sensors sensor models and supporting test equipment
• Participate in engineering lab environments to test verify and validate sensor models and EO/IR sensor performance in accordance with requirements
• Use excellent investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab and in the field
• Work proactively to complete tasks with little direction
• Communicate effectively with project management customers and team members across disciplines
• Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
• Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
• Manage time and resources in order to meet assigned deadlines
• Support travel or off-site work as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in physics optical sciences science or other technical discipline
• Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• 8 years of professional experience
• Experience with Python and/or MATLAB for analysis modeling simulation or algorithm development
• Experience with algorithm design implementation analysis testing and optimization
• Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER:

• Bachelors degree in physics optical sciences science or other technical discipline
• Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
• 12 years of professional experience
• Experience with Python and/or MATLAB for analysis modeling simulation or algorithm development
• Experience with algorithm design implementation analysis testing and optimization
• Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters degree or PhD in Physics optical sciences science or another technical discipline
• Hands-on expertise with electro-optical systems infrared imaging systems light sources military systems and/or space payloads
• Working knowledge of MATLAB Python and C computer languages including computer interfacing techniques
• Knowledge of optical design and analysis tools such as Zemax Code V and FRED
• Expertise in modeling and simulation including multiple EO/IR phenomenologies
• Subject matter expertise using MATLAB or Python for analysis of complex data sets
• Experience with space systems applications supporting customer programs
• Experience briefing analysis results to technical and non-technical government customers
• Experience across all phases of product development including proposal design architectures requirements generation design development integration verification and transition to production
• Experience managing or leading others in a technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Experience in a dynamic and high-visibility role
• Team player incorporating a team-based success philosophy

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.