Senior Systems Engineer II/Principal (EO/IR… at Rocket Lab · Tucson

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 to 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 rocket has 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, we’re not just launching rockets - we're 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 1,700 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 it’s 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 (EO/IR) – 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 a Senior/Principal Systems Engineer (EO/IR) based 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 YOU’LL 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II (EO/IR):

• Bachelor’s 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER (EO/IR):

• Bachelor’s 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:

• Master’s 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

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s 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 other’s 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 here ITAR Regulations.