The end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components. Backed by Bessemer and Khosla.
About the role
As a Principal Engineer for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will lead the design, development, and integration of next-generation space-based electro-optical sensor systems. As the definitive technical authority, you’ll guide a multi-disciplinary team through all phases of development – from requirements definition to integration, test, and sustainment – ensuring mission success while advancing innovation.
What they're looking for
- Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline with 12+ years of professional experience
- Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
- Proven ability to deliver complex aerospace or defense systems on cost, on schedule, and to performance requirements
- Prior experience as a chief engineer or technical authority on a program of record or major defense contract
- Experience leading large-scale proposals, including technical volumes and customer-facing reviews
- Strong record of interfacing with senior government customers and building trusted technical relationships
More about this role
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.
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, 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, and radios.
The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical...
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