Principal Engineer, Space Payloads - Secret/Top Secret ClearanceActive

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…

What you'll 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, and risk posture

• Shape system architecture: Direct the development and integration of architectures spanning payload, ground systems, and mission operations

• Guide execution: Oversee engineering performance to deliver on cost, schedule, and technical objectives, including subcontractor oversight

• Champion engineering excellence: Enforce standards, processes, and quality while advancing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Digital Engineering

• Manage risk & opportunity: Own the program Risk Register, proactively mitigating risks and capturing opportunities to improve performance

What they're looking for

• 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
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 12+ years of professional experience