Principal Engineer, Space Payloads

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 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 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, 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 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 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 Experience leading large-scale proposals, including technical volumes and customer-facing reviews Strong record of interfacing with senior government customers and building trusted technical relationships Ability to motivate and guide teams without direct line authority, achieving alignment across diverse organizations and subcontractors. Willingness to travel up to 25% Comfort working in classified environments with sensitive program information Ability to work in classified environments 25%+ of the time THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master’s degree or PhD in technical discipline Recent experience supporting space missions, with an emphasis on payload integration Five+ years working with EO/IR, radar, or hyperspectral sensor technologies, including performance modeling and exploitation Five+ years developing command & control, mission planning, or tactical ground systems for space assets Experience with CONOPS development and enterprise-scale architecture(s) Knowledge of advanced data exploitation, machine learning, and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) Experience integrating multi-disciplinary engineering efforts across suppliers and subcontractors Leadership in the design, production, and integration of large-scale defense or aerospace systems Hands-on experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods Track record of achieving technical, cost, and schedule commitments as a chief engineer or technical lead Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical solutions to executives, customers, and non-technical audiences Ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholders and make sound decisions under uncertainty   This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels o