SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER IIRocket Lab Robotics specializes in high-performance robotic systems and precision mechanisms that enable the most ambitious space missions, including NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover and CADRE lunar rovers. Leveraging Mars-proven expertise from Motiv Space Systems, we deliver scalable, flight-proven solutions - such as robotic arms, motion control systems, and solar array drive assemblies (SADAs) - to support planetary exploration, satellite servicing, and national security missions.
We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer II to serve as the project technical lead or cognizant engineer for complex aerospace robotic systems. You will work at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams, translating customer mission needs into robust, testable system solutions. This role owns the system technical definition, requirements implementation, hardware-software integration, verification, and delivery while providing technical direction across mechanical, electrical, software, controls, manufacturing, and/or test teams.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO- Act as the project technical lead or cognizant engineer for complex robotic systems and major subsystems.
- Own system architecture, requirements, interfaces, verification methods, and acceptance criteria throughout the development lifecycle.
- Develop, decompose, and manage system requirements and interface control documents (ICDs), maintaining traceability from customer/mission needs down to subsystem and component specifications.
- Lead cross-functional technical execution and drive major technical decisions, trades, risks, and issue closure.
- Define and manage hardware-software interfaces, communication architectures, operating modes, fault responses, and system behaviors.
- Lead integration and troubleshooting of robotic hardware, controls software, ROS/ROS2 applications, sensors, actuators, and test systems.
- Develop and maintain CONOPS, system requirements, ICDs, technical budgets, verification plans, and technical decision records.
- Plan and lead system integration, verification, validation, qualification, and acceptance activities.
- Lead formal technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and acceptance reviews and present technical status to customers and leadership.
- Mentor less-experienced engineers and provide technical guidance on systems engineering and robotics integration.
- Support program management with technical inputs to schedule, risk, and cost/effort estimates.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, robotics, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 8+ years of engineering experience developing, integrating, or delivering robotic, mechatronic, or complex electromechanical systems.
- Experience serving as a technical lead, cognizant engineer, project engineer, or system owner.
- Demonstrated experience across the full development lifecycle, including requirements development, integration, and verification/validation.
- Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting robotics hardware and software.
- Experience coordinating software, controls, electrical, and mechanical teams to deliver integrated robotic systems.
- Strong grasp of systems engineering fundamentals: requirements management, ICDs, trade studies, risk management, and V&V.
- Experience interfacing directly with customers and leading or supporting formal technical reviews.
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE- Experience with Python, C++, and/or MATLAB in a robotics, controls, integration, simulation, or test environment.
- Experience with robotic systems and their integration into aerospace or space applications.
- Experience with embedded software, real-time controls, communications, fault management, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Experience developing ICDs, CONOPS, verification plans, and system architecture documentation.
- Experience in aerospace, spaceflight, defense, or another high-reliability development environment.
This 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.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,
you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$132,000-$198,000 USD
