Systems Engineer Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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 them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. SENIOR/PRINCIPAL CONTROLS SYSTEMS ENGINEER – SECRET CLEARANCE Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) 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, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains. As a Senior/Principal Controls Systems Engineer based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to design, develop, and test space-based electro-optical sensors. To be successful in this role, you must apply engineering best practices to ensure the success of complex missions in pioneering space projects. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! (Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Controls Systems Engineer I, Senior Controls Systems Engineer II, or Principal Controls Systems Engineer level) 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 assigned QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR CONTROLS SYSTEMS ENGINEER I:Bachelor's degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering; or other technical disciplineActive Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility5+ 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 practices QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR CONTROLS SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:Bachelor's degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering; or other technical disciplineActive Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility8+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years directly supporting development programs and 2+ years in project, team, or technical leadership rolesCAM and/or IPTL experienceDemonstrated systems engineering experience with strong emphasis on electrical architecture, subsystem integration, and controls-focused system developmentStrong background in electrical architecture development for complex aerospace, payload, avionics, or instrument systemsDemonstrated experience defining and managing electrical interfaces, control architectures, signal paths, and subsystem functional behavior across multiple subsystemsProven ability to lead requirements development, architecture trades, integration planning, and system verification for electrically complex systemsExperience translating mission or customer needs into implementable electrical, functional, and controls architecturesExperience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, DOORS, Cameo, or similar toolsExperience with software and firmware development lifecycles as they relate to system architecture, controls implementation, and hardware/software integrationStrong knowledge of how to interpret and develop electrical, hardware, software, and interface technical documentationExperience troubleshooting integrated hardware and software systems with ability to identify root cause across electrical, controls, and interface issuesExperience with hardware interfaces, communications protocols, command and telemetry paths, timing, synchronization, and subsystem integrationExperience with space environments and testing regimes including vibe, shock, radiation, thermal, EMI, or related qualification environmentsFamiliarity with aerospace industry standards and practicesExcellent task management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver results within given constraintsAbility to provide system-level technical direction from concept development through integration and delivery, with emphasis on electrical and controls architecture QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS PRINCIPAL CONTROLS SYSTEMS ENGINEER:Bachelor's degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering; or other technical disciplineActive Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility12+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years directly supporting development programs and 3+ years in technical or program leadership rolesDeep experience leading system architecture for complex payload, instrument, avionics, or aerospace systemsRecognized technical strength in electrical architecture, controls, interface management, and integration leadershipProven ability to own system-level technical direction from concept through deliveryExperience leading major architecture trades, driving cross-discipline decisions, and resolving complex technical issues with program impactStrong background in requirements, interface control, verification strategy, and system qualificationDemonstrated experience defining and managing electrical and controls interfaces across multiple subsystems and development teamsAbility to translate mission needs and customer requirements into executable electrical, functional, and controls architecturesExperience representing the technical baseline with customers, leadership, suppliers, and external stakeholdersAbility to mentor engineers and shape engineering rigor, architecture practices, interface discipline, and integration approaches across multiple programsStrong understanding of aerospace standards, development lifecycle expectations, and mission assurance practices THESE 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 skills ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildingsOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise 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 here. 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 Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 ITAR Regulations.