{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"9a7f8bb66bbd050c674d0bce","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/9a7f8bb66bbd050c674d0bce","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/9a7f8bb66bbd050c674d0bce","title":"Principal Engineer","description":"Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more. The Principal Engineer is based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, responsible for overseeing various satellite programs and supporting the Space Systems Chief Engineer with deliverables for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. Responsibilities include oversight and review of spacecraft system engineering such as requirement derivation, system and subsystem requirement verification techniques, vehicle performance budgets, test methods and data analysis, simulation and analysis, and technical leadership in future architectures, platform, and payloads for future missions. The role also involves assisting or leading system and subsystem architectural developments for existing missions and assisting with program and product management. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline, 12+ years of experience supporting satellite or spacecraft programs, understanding of spacecraft subsystems and components, thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics, experience with satellite operations, and U.S. citizenship due to program requirements. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s or PhD, active TS/SCI clearance, experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK, and experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Additional requirements include specific vision abilities, physical ability to commute, and occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise levels. Salary and benefits include a base pay range of $170,000 - $250,000 USD (CA only), company equity, medical, dental, vision coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, holidays, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and other perks. Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunity and compliance with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR.","company":"Rocket Lab","rawCompany":"rocket lab","city":"Long Beach","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-04-12T17:07:19.782Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Principal Engineer","description":"Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more. The Principal Engineer is based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, responsible for overseeing various satellite programs and supporting the Space Systems Chief Engineer with deliverables for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. Responsibilities include oversight and review of spacecraft system engineering such as requirement derivation, system and subsystem requirement verification techniques, vehicle performance budgets, test methods and data analysis, simulation and analysis, and technical leadership in future architectures, platform, and payloads for future missions. The role also involves assisting or leading system and subsystem architectural developments for existing missions and assisting with program and product management. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline, 12+ years of experience supporting satellite or spacecraft programs, understanding of spacecraft subsystems and components, thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics, experience with satellite operations, and U.S. citizenship due to program requirements. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s or PhD, active TS/SCI clearance, experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK, and experience with testing electrical subsystems and assemblies, thermal vacuum or random vibration, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Additional requirements include specific vision abilities, physical ability to commute, and occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise levels. Salary and benefits include a base pay range of $170,000 - $250,000 USD (CA only), company equity, medical, dental, vision coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, holidays, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and other perks. Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunity and compliance with U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR.","datePosted":"2026-04-12T17:07:19.782Z","dateModified":"2026-04-12T17:07:19.782Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Rocket Lab","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Long Beach","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"9a7f8bb66bbd050c674d0bce"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/9a7f8bb66bbd050c674d0bce"}}