Principal Engineer, Space Payloads
AI summary of the role
Lead technical authority for next-generation space-based electro-optical sensor systems at Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ.
What you’ll do
- Serve as technical authority across systems engineering, hardware, software, and test, owning the technical baseline for programs
- Chair program gate reviews from SRR through TRR, assessing design maturity, readiness, and risk posture
- Direct development and integration of architectures spanning payload, ground systems, and mission operations
- Oversee engineering performance to deliver on cost, schedule, and technical objectives, including subcontractor oversight
What you’ll bring
- 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
Technologies
electro-optical · infrared (EO/IR) · Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) · Digital Engineering · command & control · mission planning · ground systems · Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) · hyperspectral sensors · radar
About Rocket Lab
End-to-end space company delivering launch services, spacecraft design & manufacturing, and satellite components for commercial, civil, and defense missions globally.
Public
Source and classification
Production engineering · Evidence for this classification:
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. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on national security by delivering advanced space capabilities to our customers. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Own the technical baseline for programs: Serve as the technical authority across systems engineering, hardware, software, and test, ensuring requirements are achieved and the system delivers mission value Lead critical reviews: Chair program gate reviews from SRR through TRR, assessing design maturity, readiness,
More from the job description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB 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. SPACE SYSTEMS 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. PRINCIPAL ENGINEER, SPACE PAYLOADS Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community cu [... source excerpt omitted ...] delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains. 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. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on national security by delivering advanced space capabilities to our customers. WHAT YOU’LL GET [... source excerpt omitted ...] n the program Risk Register, proactively mitigating risks and capturing opportunities to improve performance Engage with stakeholders: Act as the primary technical interface with customer technical teams, subcontractors, and RLOS leadership Support growth: Contribute to proposals, technical volumes, and reviews, helping shape future opportunities Mentor the next generation: Provide leadership and guidance to engineers across disciplines, fostering collaboration, knowledge transfer, and technical excellence YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline with 12+ years of professional experience Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibi
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