Senior Systems Engineer II

Senior Systems Engineer II

Pasadena, CA

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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, 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 1,700 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 it's 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.

Rocket Lab Robotics specializes in high-performance robotic systems and precision mechanisms that enable the most ambitious space missions, including NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover and CADRE lunar rovers. Leveraging Mars-proven expertise from Motiv Space Systems, we deliver scalable, flight-proven solutions – such as robotic arms, motion control systems, and solar array drive assemblies (SADAs) – to support planetary exploration, satellite servicing, and national security missions.

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer II to serve as the project technical lead or cognizant engineer for complex aerospace robotic systems. You will work at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams, translating customer mission needs into robust, testable system solutions. This role owns the system technical definition, requirements implementation, hardware-software integration, verification, and delivery while providing technical direction across mechanical, electrical, software, controls, manufacturing, and/or test teams.

Act as the project technical lead or cognizant engineer for complex robotic systems and major subsystems.

Own system architecture, requirements, interfaces, verification methods, and acceptance criteria throughout the development lifecycle.

Develop, decompose, and manage system requirements and interface control documents (ICDs), maintaining traceability from customer/mission needs down to subsystem and component specifications.

Lead cross-functional technical execution and drive major technical decisions, trades, risks, and issue closure.

Define and manage hardware-software interfaces, communication architectures, operating modes, fault responses, and system behaviors.

Lead integration and troubleshooting of robotic hardware, controls software, ROS/ROS2 applications, sensors, actuators, and test systems.

Develop and maintain CONOPS, system requirements, ICDs, technical budgets, verification plans, and technical decision records.

Plan and lead system integration, verification, validation, qualification, and acceptance activities.

Lead formal technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and acceptance reviews and present technical status to customers and leadership.

Mentor less-experienced engineers and provide technical guidance on systems engineering and robotics integration.

Support program management with technical inputs to schedule, risk, and cost/effort estimates.

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, robotics, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline.

8+ years of engineering experience developing, integrating, or delivering robotic, mechatronic, or complex electromechanical systems.

Experience serving as a technical lead, cognizant engineer, project engineer, or system owner.

Demonstrated experience across the full development lifecycle, including requirements development, integration, and verification/validation.

Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting robotics hardware and software.

Experience coordinating software, controls, electrical, and mechanical teams to deliver integrated robotic systems.

Strong grasp of systems engineering fundamentals: requirements management, ICDs, trade studies, risk management, and V&V.

Experience interfacing directly with customers and leading or supporting formal technical reviews.

U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

Experience with Python, C++, and/or MATLAB in a robotics, controls, integration, simulation, or test environment.

Experience with robotic systems and their integration into aerospace or space applications.

Experience with embedded software, real-time controls, communications, fault management, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Experience developing ICDs, CONOPS, verification plans, and system architecture documentation.

Experience in aerospace, spaceflight, defense, or another high-reliability development environment.

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.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$132,000 - $198,000 USD

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