Job Details

Senior/Principal Systems Engineer, Modeling Simulation & Analysis - Secret Clearance

Tucson, AZ

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – allwith 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 rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Our Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. We innovate and deliver responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior/Principal Systems Engineer 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.

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

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, science, or another 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

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, science, or another 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, optics, 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

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. 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.

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.

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.