Senior Systems Engineer

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.As a Senior Systems Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will be involved throughout the entire lifecycle of advanced space payloads in support of Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:Support the development of system architecture for space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads on airborne and space platforms, with emphasis on electrical architecture and controls integrationDefine, decompose, and manage system requirements with focus on electrical behavior, control functions, subsystem interactions, and overall system performanceDevelop and maintain technical documentation including architecture descriptions, interface control documents, electrical interface definitions, concepts of operations, state and mode descriptions, test plans, and verification artifactsSupport development of electrical and functional architectures, including command and telemetry flow, power distribution, control logic, signal paths, timing, synchronization, and subsystem interactionCollaborate with hardware, software, firmware, and test teams to ensure the electrical architecture and controls implementation align with system requirements and mission intentSupport the development, integration, and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platformsSupport hardware and software development teams with system-level test planning, debugging, integration, and execution of verification procedures; analyze data and recommend design refinementsParticipate in hardware and software verification and validation activities related to system behavior, electrical performance, controls implementation, and interface complianceSupport architecture trades involving sensors, motor control, embedded electronics, power systems, command and data handling, and subsystem interfacesParticipate in technical interchange meetings and project discussions with internal teams, customers, and external partners as neededIdentify, assess, and help mitigate technical risks related to electrical architecture, controls implementation, and subsystem integrationSupport travel or off-site work as neededPerform other duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:Bachelor’s degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline8+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years supporting development programs and 2+ years in technical leadership, CAM, IPTL, or equivalent roleDemonstrated systems engineering experience with emphasis on electrical architecture, subsystem integration, and controls focused developmentStrong electrical engineering background supporting complex aerospace, payload, avionics, or instrument systemsExperience developing system requirements, interface definitions, and verification approaches for complex systemsStrong background in electrical interfaces, control functions, avionics integration, or subsystem architectureExperience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, DOORS, Cameo, or similar toolsExperience working across hardware, software, and firmware development throughout the lifecycleFamiliarity with command and telemetry interfaces, power architectures, signal interfaces, timing, synchronization, and control logicExperience supporting integration and test, including troubleshooting electrical or controls-related issues at the subsystem or system levelStrong ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical, interface, and system technical documentationFamiliarity with aerospace development standards, environmental testing, and mission assurance practicesTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Current SSBI clearanceEO/IR payload integration experienceExperience with spacecraft bus interfaces, payload electrical integration, avionics architecture, or embedded electronicsExperience with pointing, stabilization, gimbals, motion control, focus/control electronics, or other closed-loop control applicationsExperience defining or troubleshooting electrical architectures for sensors, actuators, motors, power systems, or embedded controllersHands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level electrical or controls-related issuesDemonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projectsExperience in astronomy, physics, or remote sensingExcellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization membersStrong communication, task management, and cross-functional coordination skillsThis 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.