Senior Spacecraft Formulation Systems Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Senior Spacecraft Formulation Systems Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance
• Company: Rocket Lab USA
• Location: Long Beach, CA, United States
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Aerospace Engineering
• Date Posted: June 26, 2025
• Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the formulation of new satellite systems and manage the systems engineering process for Rocket Lab's Space Systems business development team.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the broader Space Systems Business Development organization to capture new opportunities in civil, national security, and commercial sectors.
• Develop and maintain technical budgets, system requirements, test plans, and data analysis for spacecraft missions.
• Assist with program and product management, and develop interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents.
• Work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities, supporting the development of new satellite systems and spacecraft missions.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Satellite Engineering Formulation: Lead the technical development of spacecraft missions and manage the systems engineering process, including validation of customer requirements.
• Develop and Maintain Technical Budgets: Create and maintain technical budgets for vehicle performance, system requirements, and verification techniques.
• Conduct Simulations and Analysis: Perform simulations and analysis across vehicle functions, test methods, and data analysis.
• Support Business Development: Collaborate with the business development team to capture new opportunities and support internal leadership, board of directors, and investor presentations.
• Manage Program and Product Management: Assist with program and product management, including interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents.
• Develop and Maintain Test Plans: Create and maintain test plans, methods, and data analysis for spacecraft missions.
• Perform Data Analysis: Analyze test data and ensure spacecraft missions meet performance and quality standards.
• Work with Cross-Functional Teams: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, to ensure spacecraft systems integrate seamlessly.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry
• Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Required Skills:

• Systems engineering and spacecraft mission development
• Technical budget development and maintenance
• Requirements definition and management
• Test planning and execution
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Program and product management
• Interface specifications and CONOPS definition
• MATLAB, Python, and STK proficiency
• CAD modeling and drawing
• Requirement management tools (e.g., JAMA or DOORS)
• Satellite operations and testing experience

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and components
• Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with satellite operations and testing
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials:
  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing your experience in satellite and spacecraft development, including system-level design, requirements definition, and test planning.
  • Examples of technical budgets, system requirements, and verification techniques.
  • Demonstrations of spacecraft mission simulations, analysis, and data interpretation.
  • Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams and support for business development efforts.
• Technical Documentation:
  • Detailed documentation of system-level design, requirements, and test plans.
  • Examples of interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents.
  • Evidence of data analysis, interpretation, and presentation skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $140,000 - $205,000 USD per year (CA Only)
• Benefits:
  • Top Tier Medical HMO, PPO & A 100% Company-Sponsored Medical HSA Plan Option
  • Dental and Vision Coverage
  • 3 Weeks Paid Vacation and 5 Days Sick Leave Per Year
  • 11 Paid Holidays Per Year
  • Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Savings Accounts
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Access to a 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Subsidized EV Charging Stations
  • Onsite Gym
  • Food and Drinks
  • Childcare Concierge
  • Other Discounts

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

• Industry: Aerospace and space systems
• Company Size: Large (1,001+ employees)
• Founded: 2006
• Team Structure:
  • The Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
  • The team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together satellites and spacecraft missions.
• Development Methodology:
  • Rocket Lab uses Agile methodologies for software development and project management.
  • The company emphasizes collaboration, iteration, and continuous improvement in its development processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

• Web Technology Career Level: Senior level with a focus on spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, working closely with the Space Systems Business Development organization.
• Technical Impact: Leads the formulation of new satellite systems and manages the systems engineering process, influencing spacecraft missions and supporting business development efforts.

🌐 Work Environment

• Office Type: On-site at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA
• Office Location(s): Long Beach, California, United States
• Workspace Context:
  • Collaborative workspace with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
  • Access to relevant tools, software, and resources for spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development within the Space Systems team and broader organization.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

• Interview Process:
  • Technical assessment of systems engineering skills, including spacecraft mission formulation, technical budget development, and requirements definition.
  • Review of portfolio and project case studies, focusing on satellite and spacecraft development experience.
  • Assessment of communication and collaboration skills, with a focus on working with cross-functional teams.
  • Final evaluation based on technical expertise, cultural fit, and alignment with Rocket Lab's mission and values.
• Portfolio Review Tips:
  • Highlight your experience in satellite and spacecraft development, including system-level design, requirements definition, and test planning.
  • Include examples of technical budgets, system requirements, and verification techniques.
  • Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and support business development efforts.
• Technical Challenge Preparation:
  • Brush up on your systems engineering skills, focusing on spacecraft mission formulation, technical budget development, and requirements definition.
  • Review relevant tools, software, and resources for spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
  • Prepare for questions about satellite and spacecraft development, testing, and operations.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

• Programming Languages: MATLAB, Python, and other relevant programming languages for spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
• Tools & Frameworks: STK, CAD software, requirement management tools (e.g., JAMA or DOORS), and other relevant tools for spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
• Hardware & Infrastructure: Access to relevant hardware, software, and resources for spacecraft systems engineering and mission development, including testing facilities, simulation tools, and data analysis tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

• Spacecraft Systems Engineering Values:
  • Technical excellence and innovation in spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
  • Collaboration and teamwork with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
  • Customer focus and commitment to supporting business development efforts.
  • Attention to detail and quality in spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
• Rocket Lab Core Values:
  • Safety First: Always prioritize safety in all aspects of work.
  • One Team: Collaborate and support each other to achieve our mission.
  • Be Bold: Take calculated risks and challenge the status quo.
  • Act with Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all actions.
  • Deliver with Excellence: Strive for continuous improvement and exceed expectations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

• Technical Challenges:
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest spacecraft systems engineering and mission development techniques and best practices.
  • Continuously improve your skills in spacecraft systems engineering, requirements definition, and test planning.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
  • Support business development efforts by formulating new satellite systems and managing the systems engineering process.
• Learning & Development Opportunities:
  • Attend industry conferences and workshops to expand your knowledge in spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
  • Pursue relevant certifications and advanced degrees to enhance your expertise in spacecraft systems engineering.
  • Seek mentorship opportunities within the Space Systems team and broader organization to develop your leadership and technical skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

• Technical Questions:
  • Prepare for questions about spacecraft systems engineering, mission formulation, technical budget development, and requirements definition.
  • Brush up on your knowledge of satellite and spacecraft development, testing, and operations.
  • Review relevant tools, software, and resources for spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
• Company & Culture Questions:
  • Research Rocket Lab's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit within the organization.
  • Prepare questions for your interviewers to show your interest in the company and the Space Systems team.
  • Consider how your skills and experience align with the role and Rocket Lab's goals for spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Spacecraft Formulation Systems Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance position at Rocket Lab USA:

1. Submit your application through the application link provided.
2. Prepare a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your experience in satellite and spacecraft development, including system-level design, requirements definition, and test planning.
3. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experience in spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
4. Prepare for the technical interview process by reviewing relevant tools, software, and resources for spacecraft systems engineering and mission development.
5. Research Rocket Lab's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit within the organization and the Space Systems team.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

• Web Technology-Specific Focus: Not applicable, as this role is focused on spacecraft systems engineering and mission development within the aerospace industry.
• Quality Standards: Ensure no content overlap between sections, and maintain a clear, concise, and informative writing style.
• Industry Expertise: Tailor the content to the aerospace industry, focusing on spacecraft systems engineering, mission development, and related technologies.
• Professional Standards: Maintain a consistent and professional tone throughout the document, using appropriate aerospace industry terminology and best practices.
• Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis: Emphasize spacecraft systems engineering, mission development, and related skills, with a focus on portfolio requirements tailored to the aerospace industry.
• Avoid: Generic business jargon not relevant to the aerospace industry, and placeholder text or incomplete sections.