Space Systems Deputy Chief Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SPACE SYSTEMS DEPUTY CHIEF ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, the Space Systems Deputy Chief Engineer plays a pivotal role in the technology and platform development for high performance satellite missions in defense and intelligence space. In addition, you will participate in the development of technologies and platforms that will see the Space Systems division deliver missions to the Moon, Venus, and Mars.

Your days will be spent leading the technical design, development, testing, and production of Rocket Lab’s space systems for a range of LEO and deep space missions. You will be instrumental in using the wealth of on-orbit data from our many successful missions to ensure the reliability, robustness, and performance of our satellite programs. The ideal candidate will be familiar with both mission systems engineering and satellite software and hardware, as well as have a proven record of leading engineering teams in fast-paced environments.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Work directly with the Space Systems Chief Engineer in technical decision-making processes and guide technical development across all Space Systems disciplines
• Co-chair along with the Space Systems Chief Engineer in technical reviews, engineering change, and configuration management process adherence
• Guide systems engineering processes and facilitate technical trades across the system
• Identify technical issues and proactively implement resolutions to mitigate schedule and cost impacts
• Lead mission definition, including mission design, operational concepts, and orbit selection
• Guide development of systems engineering products, spacecraft architecture, trade studies, requirements development, verification, and validation plans
• Identify vendors and oversee spacecraft component selection
• Provide technical mentorship to team members and monitor technical integrity of all team members’ contributions
• Contribute to the vision and strategy for growing the Space Systems division in collaboration with executive and business development teams
• Contribute to proposal development
• Develop, monitor, and adhere to efficient program budgets, schedules, and resource plans

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered):

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, math, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in satellite design, development, test, and operations across multiple flight projects/programs
• Active TS/SCI security clearance or, ability to obtain and maintain one
• Experience taking a product from concept phase through prototyping, launch, and operation

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 15+ years of experience in satellite design, development, test, and operations
• Master’s, PhD, or other advanced degree in engineering, physics, math, or related discipline
• Demonstrated leadership of space systems engineering teams
• Demonstrated breadth and depth across multiple spacecraft engineering disciplines
• Broad understanding of the spacecraft component supply chain and broad network of vendor relationships across the supply chain
• Proficient in key mission design, detailed analysis, and engineering management tools: 3D CAD software, STK, Matlab, NX, SPICE, JAMA, Teamcenter, etc.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to travel regularly, including international travel
• Experience with:
• Low and high budget space system development
• Deep space missions
• Spacecraft and spacecraft subsystem design, environment definition, and design approaches
• Spacecraft power and energy budgets, link budgets, ground segments, and data processing
• Spacecraft pointing and geolocation budgets
• Spacecraft rate, attitude, and momentum closed loop control systems
• Cabling/harness, electronic board, and avionics design
• Spacecraft and spacecraft subsystem fabrication, assembly, and test
• Flight and ground software development, test, and verification
• Ground instrument and payload interfacing interface
• EEE part performance, application, failure modes, test methods, reliability, and supply chain quality
• Computers, programming languages, scripting tools, and automation

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

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$225,000—$275,000 USD

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

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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 Biow 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 here