Job Description Job Description 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 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 SOFTWARE ENGINEER I - DIGITAL ENGINEERING Are you passionate about advancing aerospace technology through cutting-edge software solutions? We're looking for a driven Senior Software Engineer I to join our Digital Engineering team, based out of our Littleton, CO site. You will play a pivotal role in developing next-generation simulation and modeling tools that support aerospace systems, including flight software and ground software capabilities. This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects that enhance aerospace systems through scalable architectures, intuitive user interfaces, and robust software solutions. You'll be part of a collaborative team, contributing to all phases of software development-from requirements definition and design to coding, testing, and deployment. Our stack includes .NET, Angular, and relational databases, with a focus on scalable architectures and RESTful APIs. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Design, develop, and maintain simulation and modeling tools that support aerospace systems, including flight and ground software capabilities Design and develop mission level wargaming tools encompassing space, air, and ground domains Design products for analyzing laser communication constellation networks Develop application software based on web technologies that runs across multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux Apply UI/UX best practices to create streamlined, intuitive user interfaces for simulation and configuration tools Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze requirements, define system architectures, and deliver high-quality solutions Participate in design reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR) and contribute to the refinement of system requirements and technical specifications Conduct code reviews to ensure adherence to company coding standards and best practices Optimize software performance and scalability for large-scale simulations and data processing YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline 5+ years of experience in software development, with a focus on simulation, modeling, or aerospace systems Proficiency in C#/.NET and Angular (or similar frontend frameworks like React or Vue) Experience with TypeScript/JavaScript and building RESTful APIs Strong understanding of relational databases (e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite) Solid grasp of object-oriented programming principles and design patterns U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field Experience with Docker/Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration Knowledge of network programming (e.g., Sockets, WebSockets) for real-time data exchange Passion for rapid prototyping and software integration leveraging AI tools Passion for UI/UX design Experience with space mission analysis tools such as STK, or similar Experience with modeling of physical systems Familiarity with Git and modern version control workflows. Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and contributing to iterative development cycles Advanced knowledge of Angular NgRx or other state management libraries Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug complex systems A team-oriented mindset with excellent communication skills and a positive attitude 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. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $114,000-$172,000 USD 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 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.
11/13/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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 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 SOFTWARE ENGINEER I - DIGITAL ENGINEERING Are you passionate about advancing aerospace technology through cutting-edge software solutions? We're looking for a driven Senior Software Engineer I to join our Digital Engineering team, based out of our Littleton, CO site. You will play a pivotal role in developing next-generation simulation and modeling tools that support aerospace systems, including flight software and ground software capabilities. This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects that enhance aerospace systems through scalable architectures, intuitive user interfaces, and robust software solutions. You'll be part of a collaborative team, contributing to all phases of software development-from requirements definition and design to coding, testing, and deployment. Our stack includes .NET, Angular, and relational databases, with a focus on scalable architectures and RESTful APIs. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Design, develop, and maintain simulation and modeling tools that support aerospace systems, including flight and ground software capabilities Design and develop mission level wargaming tools encompassing space, air, and ground domains Design products for analyzing laser communication constellation networks Develop application software based on web technologies that runs across multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux Apply UI/UX best practices to create streamlined, intuitive user interfaces for simulation and configuration tools Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze requirements, define system architectures, and deliver high-quality solutions Participate in design reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR) and contribute to the refinement of system requirements and technical specifications Conduct code reviews to ensure adherence to company coding standards and best practices Optimize software performance and scalability for large-scale simulations and data processing YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline 5+ years of experience in software development, with a focus on simulation, modeling, or aerospace systems Proficiency in C#/.NET and Angular (or similar frontend frameworks like React or Vue) Experience with TypeScript/JavaScript and building RESTful APIs Strong understanding of relational databases (e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite) Solid grasp of object-oriented programming principles and design patterns U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field Experience with Docker/Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration Knowledge of network programming (e.g., Sockets, WebSockets) for real-time data exchange Passion for rapid prototyping and software integration leveraging AI tools Passion for UI/UX design Experience with space mission analysis tools such as STK, or similar Experience with modeling of physical systems Familiarity with Git and modern version control workflows. Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and contributing to iterative development cycles Advanced knowledge of Angular NgRx or other state management libraries Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug complex systems A team-oriented mindset with excellent communication skills and a positive attitude 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. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $114,000-$172,000 USD 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 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.
Job Description Job Description Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions. We are looking to add a Systems Engineer II to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge phased arrays for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you. In this position, you will be responsible for leading the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and support complex aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role translates mission objectives, customer requirements, and system architecture into technical solutions that enable successful system integration and mission execution. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, the Senior Systems Engineer collaborates with software, hardware, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and program management teams to ensure systems meet technical, operational, cost, and schedule objectives. This role provides technical leadership from concept development through design, integration, verification, launch, and operational support while contributing to technical decision-making and risk management. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop system verification and validation strategies, including verification methods (test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection), acceptance criteria, and verification levels aligned with program requirements. Define verification configurations, including hardware, software, firmware, and test environments required to support verification activities. Develop and maintain verification documentation, verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), requirements traceability matrices, and verification evidence packages. Partner with Integration & Test teams to plan, coordinate, and support system integration and verification activities. Evaluate test results, resolve technical discrepancies, and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements. Support technical planning, Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and engineering execution activities. Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical, cost, schedule, and program milestones. Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, customer meetings, and engineering milestone activities. Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices, requirements development, traceability, verification, and technical documentation. Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems engineering rigor, and technical documentation. Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. A minimum of 2 years of experience with an emphasis on space-based communication payloads. Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle. Experience developing, managing, and verifying system and subsystem requirements. Knowledge of systems architecture, interface management, systems integration, and configuration management. Understanding verification, validation, and systems integration processes. Ability to interpret customer requirements, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning, launch support, and on-orbit operations. Experience supporting spacecraft system integration, mission readiness, and operational activities. Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
11/13/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions. We are looking to add a Systems Engineer II to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge phased arrays for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you. In this position, you will be responsible for leading the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and support complex aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role translates mission objectives, customer requirements, and system architecture into technical solutions that enable successful system integration and mission execution. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, the Senior Systems Engineer collaborates with software, hardware, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and program management teams to ensure systems meet technical, operational, cost, and schedule objectives. This role provides technical leadership from concept development through design, integration, verification, launch, and operational support while contributing to technical decision-making and risk management. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop system verification and validation strategies, including verification methods (test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection), acceptance criteria, and verification levels aligned with program requirements. Define verification configurations, including hardware, software, firmware, and test environments required to support verification activities. Develop and maintain verification documentation, verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), requirements traceability matrices, and verification evidence packages. Partner with Integration & Test teams to plan, coordinate, and support system integration and verification activities. Evaluate test results, resolve technical discrepancies, and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements. Support technical planning, Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and engineering execution activities. Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical, cost, schedule, and program milestones. Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, customer meetings, and engineering milestone activities. Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices, requirements development, traceability, verification, and technical documentation. Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems engineering rigor, and technical documentation. Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. A minimum of 2 years of experience with an emphasis on space-based communication payloads. Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle. Experience developing, managing, and verifying system and subsystem requirements. Knowledge of systems architecture, interface management, systems integration, and configuration management. Understanding verification, validation, and systems integration processes. Ability to interpret customer requirements, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning, launch support, and on-orbit operations. Experience supporting spacecraft system integration, mission readiness, and operational activities. Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Job Description Job Description Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions. We are looking to add a Senior Systems Engineer to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge phased arrays for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you. In this position, you will be responsible for leading the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and support complex aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role translates mission objectives, customer requirements, and system architecture into technical solutions that enable successful system integration and mission execution. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, the Senior Systems Engineer collaborates with software, hardware, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and program management teams to ensure systems meet technical, operational, cost, and schedule objectives. This role provides technical leadership from concept development through design, integration, verification, launch, and operational support while contributing to technical decision-making and risk management. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop system verification and validation strategies, including verification methods (test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection), acceptance criteria, and verification levels aligned with program requirements. Define verification configurations, including hardware, software, firmware, and test environments required to support verification activities. Develop and maintain verification documentation, verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), requirements traceability matrices, and verification evidence packages. Partner with Integration & Test teams to plan, coordinate, and support system integration and verification activities. Evaluate test results, resolve technical discrepancies, and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements. Support technical planning, Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and engineering execution activities. Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical, cost, schedule, and program milestones. Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, customer meetings, and engineering milestone activities. Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices, requirements development, traceability, verification, and technical documentation. Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems engineering rigor, and technical documentation. Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. A minimum of 5 years of experience with an emphasis on space-based communication payloads. Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle. Experience developing, managing, and verifying system and subsystem requirements. Knowledge of systems architecture, interface management, systems integration, and configuration management. Understanding verification, validation, and systems integration processes. Ability to interpret customer requirements, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning, launch support, and on-orbit operations. Experience supporting spacecraft system integration, mission readiness, and operational activities. Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
11/13/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions. We are looking to add a Senior Systems Engineer to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge phased arrays for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you. In this position, you will be responsible for leading the systems engineering activities required to define, develop, integrate, verify, and support complex aerospace systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role translates mission objectives, customer requirements, and system architecture into technical solutions that enable successful system integration and mission execution. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, the Senior Systems Engineer collaborates with software, hardware, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and program management teams to ensure systems meet technical, operational, cost, and schedule objectives. This role provides technical leadership from concept development through design, integration, verification, launch, and operational support while contributing to technical decision-making and risk management. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop system verification and validation strategies, including verification methods (test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection), acceptance criteria, and verification levels aligned with program requirements. Define verification configurations, including hardware, software, firmware, and test environments required to support verification activities. Develop and maintain verification documentation, verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), requirements traceability matrices, and verification evidence packages. Partner with Integration & Test teams to plan, coordinate, and support system integration and verification activities. Evaluate test results, resolve technical discrepancies, and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements. Support technical planning, Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and engineering execution activities. Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical, cost, schedule, and program milestones. Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, customer meetings, and engineering milestone activities. Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices, requirements development, traceability, verification, and technical documentation. Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems engineering rigor, and technical documentation. Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. A minimum of 5 years of experience with an emphasis on space-based communication payloads. Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle. Experience developing, managing, and verifying system and subsystem requirements. Knowledge of systems architecture, interface management, systems integration, and configuration management. Understanding verification, validation, and systems integration processes. Ability to interpret customer requirements, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning, launch support, and on-orbit operations. Experience supporting spacecraft system integration, mission readiness, and operational activities. Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Job Description Job Description Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage. About The Role: The Mission Systems Engineering team develops the Mission Management System-the software platform connecting mission subsystems, autonomy services, operator interfaces, communications links, and telemetry across Hermeus aircraft and ground systems. As a Senior/Principal Mission Software Engineer, you will architect, build, integrate, and validate critical portions of this platform. You will work across software, avionics, communications, autonomy, simulation, and flight operations to solve complex problems in distributed, hardware-connected environments. This is a hands-on technical leadership role with the opportunity to define foundational architecture and directly influence how Hermeus aircraft are commanded, monitored, tested, and expanded with new mission capabilities. Responsibilities: Own major Mission Management System capabilities from architecture through integration, testing, and operational use Design and develop high-performance C++ software for command and control, telemetry, mission workflows, and subsystem coordination Define scalable architectures, interfaces, APIs, protocols, and message schemas Integrate autonomy services, sensors, payloads, radios, tactical datalinks, and third-party systems Make technical decisions involving performance, reliability, latency, fault tolerance, and extensibility Diagnose complex issues across distributed software, networks, embedded hardware, avionics, and communications systems Partner with systems, avionics, autonomy, networking, flight-test, and operations teams Build and improve simulation, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and system-integration environments Lead design reviews, code reviews, technical trade studies, and integration activities Identify technical risks and drive solutions in environments where requirements are still evolving Mentor engineers and establish strong software architecture and development practices Support ground and flight-test campaigns, including real-time troubleshooting Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field 7+ years of professional software-development experience for Senior-level consideration 10+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent record of technical leadership and impact, for Principal-level consideration Advanced proficiency with modern C++, including C+ or newer Experience designing and delivering complex, production-quality software systems Strong knowledge of concurrency, memory management, software architecture, and performance-oriented development Experience with distributed, real-time, embedded, robotic, aerospace, or other hardware-connected systems Experience with TCP, UDP, multicast, and socket-level network programming Ability to define architectures, interfaces, protocols, and system boundaries in ambiguous environments Experience integrating software with hardware, external services, or independently developed subsystems Strong debugging skills across software, networking, and hardware interfaces Ability to clearly communicate technical decisions, risks, and tradeoffs across multidisciplinary teams Demonstrated ownership through design, implementation, integration, testing, and deployment Preferred Skills and Experience: Experience with mission systems, command-and-control software, mission planning, ground-control systems, autonomy platforms, or operator-facing applications Aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous vehicle, or spacecraft experience Experience with RF communications, SATCOM, line-of-sight radios, or tactical datalinks Familiarity with publish/subscribe architectures or middleware such as DDS, ZeroMQ, ActiveMQ, or Kafka Experience integrating third-party sensors, payloads, autonomy services, radios, or mission subsystems Knowledge of avionics architectures, aircraft networks, telemetry, and command-and-control workflows Linux software development and deployment experience Experience developing fault-tolerant or degraded-mode behaviors for distributed systems Experience with simulation, SIL, HIL, system-integration labs, ground tests, or flight tests Familiarity with standards such as DO-178C, ARINC, FACE, OMS/UCI, STANAG, or MIL-STD Experience establishing technical direction or influencing execution across multiple teams Experience working in a startup or rapid-prototyping environment Senior - 150,000 - 200,000 Principal - 170,00 - 230,000 U.S. Citizenship Requirement Due to U.S. Government requirements associated with access to Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) and related controlled information, this position is limited to U.S. citizens. U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) are not eligible for this role. The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs. At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team. Benefits: Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
11/13/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage. About The Role: The Mission Systems Engineering team develops the Mission Management System-the software platform connecting mission subsystems, autonomy services, operator interfaces, communications links, and telemetry across Hermeus aircraft and ground systems. As a Senior/Principal Mission Software Engineer, you will architect, build, integrate, and validate critical portions of this platform. You will work across software, avionics, communications, autonomy, simulation, and flight operations to solve complex problems in distributed, hardware-connected environments. This is a hands-on technical leadership role with the opportunity to define foundational architecture and directly influence how Hermeus aircraft are commanded, monitored, tested, and expanded with new mission capabilities. Responsibilities: Own major Mission Management System capabilities from architecture through integration, testing, and operational use Design and develop high-performance C++ software for command and control, telemetry, mission workflows, and subsystem coordination Define scalable architectures, interfaces, APIs, protocols, and message schemas Integrate autonomy services, sensors, payloads, radios, tactical datalinks, and third-party systems Make technical decisions involving performance, reliability, latency, fault tolerance, and extensibility Diagnose complex issues across distributed software, networks, embedded hardware, avionics, and communications systems Partner with systems, avionics, autonomy, networking, flight-test, and operations teams Build and improve simulation, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and system-integration environments Lead design reviews, code reviews, technical trade studies, and integration activities Identify technical risks and drive solutions in environments where requirements are still evolving Mentor engineers and establish strong software architecture and development practices Support ground and flight-test campaigns, including real-time troubleshooting Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field 7+ years of professional software-development experience for Senior-level consideration 10+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent record of technical leadership and impact, for Principal-level consideration Advanced proficiency with modern C++, including C+ or newer Experience designing and delivering complex, production-quality software systems Strong knowledge of concurrency, memory management, software architecture, and performance-oriented development Experience with distributed, real-time, embedded, robotic, aerospace, or other hardware-connected systems Experience with TCP, UDP, multicast, and socket-level network programming Ability to define architectures, interfaces, protocols, and system boundaries in ambiguous environments Experience integrating software with hardware, external services, or independently developed subsystems Strong debugging skills across software, networking, and hardware interfaces Ability to clearly communicate technical decisions, risks, and tradeoffs across multidisciplinary teams Demonstrated ownership through design, implementation, integration, testing, and deployment Preferred Skills and Experience: Experience with mission systems, command-and-control software, mission planning, ground-control systems, autonomy platforms, or operator-facing applications Aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous vehicle, or spacecraft experience Experience with RF communications, SATCOM, line-of-sight radios, or tactical datalinks Familiarity with publish/subscribe architectures or middleware such as DDS, ZeroMQ, ActiveMQ, or Kafka Experience integrating third-party sensors, payloads, autonomy services, radios, or mission subsystems Knowledge of avionics architectures, aircraft networks, telemetry, and command-and-control workflows Linux software development and deployment experience Experience developing fault-tolerant or degraded-mode behaviors for distributed systems Experience with simulation, SIL, HIL, system-integration labs, ground tests, or flight tests Familiarity with standards such as DO-178C, ARINC, FACE, OMS/UCI, STANAG, or MIL-STD Experience establishing technical direction or influencing execution across multiple teams Experience working in a startup or rapid-prototyping environment Senior - 150,000 - 200,000 Principal - 170,00 - 230,000 U.S. Citizenship Requirement Due to U.S. Government requirements associated with access to Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) and related controlled information, this position is limited to U.S. citizens. U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) are not eligible for this role. The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs. At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team. Benefits: Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Job Description Job Description Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. We are designing, building, and launching 8 new satellites in the next four years. They are BIG and super capable RF payload rideshare SmallSats. Our launches are already secured. Our in-house test facilities are built. If you want to own critical communications for these LEO communications satellites and then have the chance to iterate and improve your design at a rapidly growing tech company, this is your chance. We're looking for builders, problem-solvers, and system thinkers. As a Senior Communication Systems Engineer , you will own the design, configuration, and operation of the satellite's space-to-ground communication links. You will define how the satellite communicates with the ground in both nominal and off-nominal conditions, ensuring reliable command, telemetry, and fault recovery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, expertise with both space-based communication payloads and ground terminals, and proven ability to coordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Model, analyze and maintain the satellite's link budget, modulation and coding, ensuring reliable communications from space to ground for all RF links. Architect hardware-based crypto solutions for flight hardware, manage pass-throughs and end points for users and operations. Strong understanding of ground station and network operations with the ability to troubleshoot issues with commercial providers and on-site terminals. Define how the radios are used in different mission phases, including contingency operations and emergency recovery. Contribute to the RF link test campaign and work with flight software and ground teams to validate end-to-end communication link performance, from antenna to command center. Optimize low-SWaP communications, mitigate interference, and ensure robust, fail-safe links. WHAT A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE LOOKS LIKE You understand how to design, analyze, and operate spaceborne communication links. You can balance power, bandwidth, protocols and noise to ensure reliable space-to-ground connectivity. You can answer "what's the link budget" with thorough analysis, EbN0, EsN0, or effective data rate given a variety of conditions. Extensive and practical experience with crypto-From COMSEC plan development, key management to system trouble shooting you have applied, on the ground experience. You know how comms fit into the broader mission, from flight software integration to ground operations You are comfortable identifying problems and using your expertise to find solutions. You can prototype, test, and iterate quickly, focusing on what's needed to get a mission off the ground. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field A minimum of 5 years of experience with emphasis on satellite communications, RF system engineering, or related fields Experience in design, verification, and operation of satellite communication links Strong understanding of link budget analysis, modulation schemes, and ground station interfaces Hands-on experience configuring and testing ground station equipment and space-qualified radios and antennas Practical understanding of how space links fail, why, and how to fix them before they break Ability to define and implement communication system CONOPS for nominal and emergency operations Experience with satellite communication link licensing and regulatory compliance (ITU/FCC) CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
11/13/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. We are designing, building, and launching 8 new satellites in the next four years. They are BIG and super capable RF payload rideshare SmallSats. Our launches are already secured. Our in-house test facilities are built. If you want to own critical communications for these LEO communications satellites and then have the chance to iterate and improve your design at a rapidly growing tech company, this is your chance. We're looking for builders, problem-solvers, and system thinkers. As a Senior Communication Systems Engineer , you will own the design, configuration, and operation of the satellite's space-to-ground communication links. You will define how the satellite communicates with the ground in both nominal and off-nominal conditions, ensuring reliable command, telemetry, and fault recovery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering, expertise with both space-based communication payloads and ground terminals, and proven ability to coordinate activities across multidisciplinary engineering teams. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Model, analyze and maintain the satellite's link budget, modulation and coding, ensuring reliable communications from space to ground for all RF links. Architect hardware-based crypto solutions for flight hardware, manage pass-throughs and end points for users and operations. Strong understanding of ground station and network operations with the ability to troubleshoot issues with commercial providers and on-site terminals. Define how the radios are used in different mission phases, including contingency operations and emergency recovery. Contribute to the RF link test campaign and work with flight software and ground teams to validate end-to-end communication link performance, from antenna to command center. Optimize low-SWaP communications, mitigate interference, and ensure robust, fail-safe links. WHAT A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE LOOKS LIKE You understand how to design, analyze, and operate spaceborne communication links. You can balance power, bandwidth, protocols and noise to ensure reliable space-to-ground connectivity. You can answer "what's the link budget" with thorough analysis, EbN0, EsN0, or effective data rate given a variety of conditions. Extensive and practical experience with crypto-From COMSEC plan development, key management to system trouble shooting you have applied, on the ground experience. You know how comms fit into the broader mission, from flight software integration to ground operations You are comfortable identifying problems and using your expertise to find solutions. You can prototype, test, and iterate quickly, focusing on what's needed to get a mission off the ground. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field A minimum of 5 years of experience with emphasis on satellite communications, RF system engineering, or related fields Experience in design, verification, and operation of satellite communication links Strong understanding of link budget analysis, modulation schemes, and ground station interfaces Hands-on experience configuring and testing ground station equipment and space-qualified radios and antennas Practical understanding of how space links fail, why, and how to fix them before they break Ability to define and implement communication system CONOPS for nominal and emergency operations Experience with satellite communication link licensing and regulatory compliance (ITU/FCC) CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Job Description Job Description Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Analyze customer, mission, and system-level requirements and decompose them into clear, verifiable system and subsystem requirements. Establish clear definitions for all hardware and software interfaces between the payload and the space vehicle Ensure requirements maintain end-to-end traceability to customer requirements, system architecture, and Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Define and manage hardware, software, electrical, mechanical, and data interfaces between system elements. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine requirements for completeness, feasibility, technical accuracy, and manufacturability. Support requirements management, configuration management, baseline control, and engineering change activities. Identify technical risks, requirement gaps, ambiguities, and design issues early in the development lifecycle. Support system architecture development, technical trade studies, and engineering analyses to evaluate design alternatives and optimize system performance. Develop system verification and validation strategies, including verification methods (test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection), acceptance criteria, and verification levels aligned with program requirements. Define verification configurations, including hardware, software, firmware, and test environments required to support verification activities. Develop and maintain verification documentation, verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), requirements traceability matrices, and verification evidence packages. Partner with Integration & Test teams to plan, coordinate, and support system integration and verification activities. Evaluate test results, resolve technical discrepancies, and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements. Support technical planning, Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and engineering execution activities. Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical, cost, schedule, and program milestones. Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, customer meetings, and engineering milestone activities. Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices, requirements development, traceability, verification, and technical documentation. Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems engineering rigor, and technical documentation. Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with typically 5-8 years of relevant experience; Master's degree in a related technical discipline with typically 3-6 years of relevant experience; or PhD in a related technical discipline with typically 0-3 years of relevant experience. Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle. Experience developing, managing, and verifying system and subsystem requirements. Knowledge of systems architecture, interface management, systems integration, and configuration management. Understanding verification, validation, and systems integration processes. Ability to interpret customer requirements, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) Requirements Management tools (Jama, IBM DOORS, or similar) Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (CATIA Magic/Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar) Systems modeling and simulation tools Collaboration platforms (Confluence, SharePoint, or similar) Configuration management and version control tools (Git, GitLab, Bitbucket, or similar) Issue tracking tools (Jira or similar) Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning, launch support, and on-orbit operations. Experience supporting spacecraft system integration, mission readiness, and operational activities. Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
11/13/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Analyze customer, mission, and system-level requirements and decompose them into clear, verifiable system and subsystem requirements. Establish clear definitions for all hardware and software interfaces between the payload and the space vehicle Ensure requirements maintain end-to-end traceability to customer requirements, system architecture, and Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Define and manage hardware, software, electrical, mechanical, and data interfaces between system elements. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine requirements for completeness, feasibility, technical accuracy, and manufacturability. Support requirements management, configuration management, baseline control, and engineering change activities. Identify technical risks, requirement gaps, ambiguities, and design issues early in the development lifecycle. Support system architecture development, technical trade studies, and engineering analyses to evaluate design alternatives and optimize system performance. Develop system verification and validation strategies, including verification methods (test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection), acceptance criteria, and verification levels aligned with program requirements. Define verification configurations, including hardware, software, firmware, and test environments required to support verification activities. Develop and maintain verification documentation, verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM), requirements traceability matrices, and verification evidence packages. Partner with Integration & Test teams to plan, coordinate, and support system integration and verification activities. Evaluate test results, resolve technical discrepancies, and support corrective actions to ensure compliance with system requirements. Support technical planning, Program Increment (PI) planning, staffing assessments, and engineering execution activities. Prioritize systems engineering activities to meet technical, cost, schedule, and program milestones. Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, customer meetings, and engineering milestone activities. Mentor junior engineers on systems engineering best practices, requirements development, traceability, verification, and technical documentation. Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems engineering rigor, and technical documentation. Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to support successful program execution. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with typically 5-8 years of relevant experience; Master's degree in a related technical discipline with typically 3-6 years of relevant experience; or PhD in a related technical discipline with typically 0-3 years of relevant experience. Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles and the systems development lifecycle. Experience developing, managing, and verifying system and subsystem requirements. Knowledge of systems architecture, interface management, systems integration, and configuration management. Understanding verification, validation, and systems integration processes. Ability to interpret customer requirements, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and technical specifications to develop engineering solutions. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) Requirements Management tools (Jama, IBM DOORS, or similar) Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (CATIA Magic/Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar) Systems modeling and simulation tools Collaboration platforms (Confluence, SharePoint, or similar) Configuration management and version control tools (Git, GitLab, Bitbucket, or similar) Issue tracking tools (Jira or similar) Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE Familiarity with spacecraft mission planning, launch support, and on-orbit operations. Experience supporting spacecraft system integration, mission readiness, and operational activities. Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs. CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Job Description Job Description Wanna join the adventure? Loft Orbital is revolutionizing access to space by building reliable, shareable satellites that drastically reduce the time and complexity traditionally required to get to orbit. We operate satellites, fly customer payloads, and handle entire missions from end-to-end. We're a close-knit team of space enthusiasts, software experts, and cutting-edge technologists, all working together to make space simple for our customers. As a Senior Cloud Infrastructure Engineer on our Cloud Infrastructure Team, you'll play a pivotal role in maintaining and scaling our ground segment infrastructure. You'll collaborate across development, operations, and IT to ensure the integration, delivery, and reliability of services that support our space operations on Earth and in orbit. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and help build modern automated space infrastructure. This is not your typical SRE role, we apply DevOps principles even to spacecraft control. Yes, we call it SatDevOps , and we'll train you to operate our satellites! About the Role: Collaborate with developers and satellite operators to foster a strong SatDevOps culture . Design, implement, and maintain scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure in a hybrid cloud environment. Improve our developer experience by building better tools, workflows, and environments. Lead efforts to automate and optimize systems, including CI/CD pipelines , infrastructure provisioning (IaC) , and deployment workflows. Own and evolve our observability stack (metrics, tracing, logs) to improve usability and performance. Grafana-centric ecosystems are a plus. Implement and advocate for best practices in software reliability, fault tolerance, and performance tuning. Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve system reliability issues , performing root cause analyses and implementing long-term fixes. Partner with teams to design and operate Software Defined Network (SDN) solutions. Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team culture where respectful debate and continuous learning are celebrated. Must Haves: Strong experience with public cloud infrastructure , ideally GCP. Deep expertise in Kubernetes , architecture, deployment, ops, and resource optimization. Demonstrated ability to design and build scalable, highly available systems . Familiarity with Software Defined Networking (SDN) concepts and tools. Experience implementing and maintaining observability stacks (Grafana, Prometheus, Loki, etc.). Proficiency in at least one backend language: Go, Python, Rust, C/C++, or Java . Deep understanding and hands-on experience with DevOps practices : CI/CD, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation. Proven track record of working in fast-paced, high-growth technical environments . Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to operate independently with a proactive, results-driven mindset . Strong communication skills; thrives in a multicultural, cross-functional team. Nice to Haves: Hands-on experience with GitOps frameworks (ArgoCD, FluxCD). Interest or experience in FinOps and cost-optimized architectures . Understanding of orchestration in resource-constrained environments , like space systems. Knowledge of systems engineering tools and SDLC governance. Familiarity with security practices , vulnerability scanning, threat detection, risk mitigation. Master's degree in Computer Science or a similar field Some of Our Awesome Benefits: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays 401(k) plan and equity options Daily catered lunches and snacks in office International exposure to our team in France Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support Off-sites and many social events and celebrations Relocation assistance when applicable State law requires us to tell you the base compensation range for this role, which is $180,000- $240,000 per year. This is determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we evaluate individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren't afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Who We Are Loft: Space Made Simple. Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit. We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI, national security missions, and more. Leveraging our existing space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft is reducing years-long integration and launch timelines to months. With more than 30 missions flown, Loft's flight heritage and proven technologies enable customers to focus on their mission objectives. With a growing fleet on track to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA Golden, CO and Toulouse, France to meet accelerating demand for space infrastructure. As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
11/13/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Wanna join the adventure? Loft Orbital is revolutionizing access to space by building reliable, shareable satellites that drastically reduce the time and complexity traditionally required to get to orbit. We operate satellites, fly customer payloads, and handle entire missions from end-to-end. We're a close-knit team of space enthusiasts, software experts, and cutting-edge technologists, all working together to make space simple for our customers. As a Senior Cloud Infrastructure Engineer on our Cloud Infrastructure Team, you'll play a pivotal role in maintaining and scaling our ground segment infrastructure. You'll collaborate across development, operations, and IT to ensure the integration, delivery, and reliability of services that support our space operations on Earth and in orbit. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and help build modern automated space infrastructure. This is not your typical SRE role, we apply DevOps principles even to spacecraft control. Yes, we call it SatDevOps , and we'll train you to operate our satellites! About the Role: Collaborate with developers and satellite operators to foster a strong SatDevOps culture . Design, implement, and maintain scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure in a hybrid cloud environment. Improve our developer experience by building better tools, workflows, and environments. Lead efforts to automate and optimize systems, including CI/CD pipelines , infrastructure provisioning (IaC) , and deployment workflows. Own and evolve our observability stack (metrics, tracing, logs) to improve usability and performance. Grafana-centric ecosystems are a plus. Implement and advocate for best practices in software reliability, fault tolerance, and performance tuning. Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve system reliability issues , performing root cause analyses and implementing long-term fixes. Partner with teams to design and operate Software Defined Network (SDN) solutions. Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team culture where respectful debate and continuous learning are celebrated. Must Haves: Strong experience with public cloud infrastructure , ideally GCP. Deep expertise in Kubernetes , architecture, deployment, ops, and resource optimization. Demonstrated ability to design and build scalable, highly available systems . Familiarity with Software Defined Networking (SDN) concepts and tools. Experience implementing and maintaining observability stacks (Grafana, Prometheus, Loki, etc.). Proficiency in at least one backend language: Go, Python, Rust, C/C++, or Java . Deep understanding and hands-on experience with DevOps practices : CI/CD, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation. Proven track record of working in fast-paced, high-growth technical environments . Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to operate independently with a proactive, results-driven mindset . Strong communication skills; thrives in a multicultural, cross-functional team. Nice to Haves: Hands-on experience with GitOps frameworks (ArgoCD, FluxCD). Interest or experience in FinOps and cost-optimized architectures . Understanding of orchestration in resource-constrained environments , like space systems. Knowledge of systems engineering tools and SDLC governance. Familiarity with security practices , vulnerability scanning, threat detection, risk mitigation. Master's degree in Computer Science or a similar field Some of Our Awesome Benefits: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays 401(k) plan and equity options Daily catered lunches and snacks in office International exposure to our team in France Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support Off-sites and many social events and celebrations Relocation assistance when applicable State law requires us to tell you the base compensation range for this role, which is $180,000- $240,000 per year. This is determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we evaluate individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren't afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Who We Are Loft: Space Made Simple. Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit. We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI, national security missions, and more. Leveraging our existing space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft is reducing years-long integration and launch timelines to months. With more than 30 missions flown, Loft's flight heritage and proven technologies enable customers to focus on their mission objectives. With a growing fleet on track to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA Golden, CO and Toulouse, France to meet accelerating demand for space infrastructure. As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Job Description Job Description Wanna join the adventure? Loft Orbital is revolutionizing access to space by building reliable, shareable satellites that drastically reduce the time and complexity traditionally required to get to orbit. We operate satellites, fly customer payloads, and handle entire missions from end-to-end. We're a close-knit team of space enthusiasts, software experts, and cutting-edge technologists, all working together to make space simple for our customers. As a Senior Cloud Infrastructure Engineer on our Cloud Infrastructure Team, you'll play a pivotal role in maintaining and scaling our ground segment infrastructure. You'll collaborate across development, operations, and IT to ensure the integration, delivery, and reliability of services that support our space operations on Earth and in orbit. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and help build modern automated space infrastructure. This is not your typical SRE role, we apply DevOps principles even to spacecraft control. Yes, we call it SatDevOps , and we'll train you to operate our satellites! About the Role: Collaborate with developers and satellite operators to foster a strong SatDevOps culture . Design, implement, and maintain scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure in a hybrid cloud environment. Improve our developer experience by building better tools, workflows, and environments. Lead efforts to automate and optimize systems, including CI/CD pipelines , infrastructure provisioning (IaC) , and deployment workflows. Own and evolve our observability stack (metrics, tracing, logs) to improve usability and performance. Grafana-centric ecosystems are a plus. Implement and advocate for best practices in software reliability, fault tolerance, and performance tuning. Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve system reliability issues , performing root cause analyses and implementing long-term fixes. Partner with teams to design and operate Software Defined Network (SDN) solutions. Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team culture where respectful debate and continuous learning are celebrated. Must Haves: Strong experience with public cloud infrastructure , ideally GCP. Deep expertise in Kubernetes , architecture, deployment, ops, and resource optimization. Demonstrated ability to design and build scalable, highly available systems . Familiarity with Software Defined Networking (SDN) concepts and tools. Experience implementing and maintaining observability stacks (Grafana, Prometheus, Loki, etc.). Proficiency in at least one backend language: Go, Python, Rust, C/C++, or Java . Deep understanding and hands-on experience with DevOps practices : CI/CD, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation. Proven track record of working in fast-paced, high-growth technical environments . Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to operate independently with a proactive, results-driven mindset . Strong communication skills; thrives in a multicultural, cross-functional team. Nice to Haves: Hands-on experience with GitOps frameworks (ArgoCD, FluxCD). Interest or experience in FinOps and cost-optimized architectures . Understanding of orchestration in resource-constrained environments , like space systems. Knowledge of systems engineering tools and SDLC governance. Familiarity with security practices , vulnerability scanning, threat detection, risk mitigation. Master's degree in Computer Science or a similar field Some of Our Awesome Benefits: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays 401(k) plan and equity options Daily catered lunches and snacks in office International exposure to our team in France Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support Off-sites and many social events and celebrations Relocation assistance when applicable State law requires us to tell you the base compensation range for this role, which is $180,000- $240,000 per year. This is determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we evaluate individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren't afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Who We Are Loft: Space Made Simple. Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit. We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI, national security missions, and more. Leveraging our existing space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft is reducing years-long integration and launch timelines to months. With more than 30 missions flown, Loft's flight heritage and proven technologies enable customers to focus on their mission objectives. With a growing fleet on track to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA Golden, CO and Toulouse, France to meet accelerating demand for space infrastructure. As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
11/13/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Wanna join the adventure? Loft Orbital is revolutionizing access to space by building reliable, shareable satellites that drastically reduce the time and complexity traditionally required to get to orbit. We operate satellites, fly customer payloads, and handle entire missions from end-to-end. We're a close-knit team of space enthusiasts, software experts, and cutting-edge technologists, all working together to make space simple for our customers. As a Senior Cloud Infrastructure Engineer on our Cloud Infrastructure Team, you'll play a pivotal role in maintaining and scaling our ground segment infrastructure. You'll collaborate across development, operations, and IT to ensure the integration, delivery, and reliability of services that support our space operations on Earth and in orbit. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and help build modern automated space infrastructure. This is not your typical SRE role, we apply DevOps principles even to spacecraft control. Yes, we call it SatDevOps , and we'll train you to operate our satellites! About the Role: Collaborate with developers and satellite operators to foster a strong SatDevOps culture . Design, implement, and maintain scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure in a hybrid cloud environment. Improve our developer experience by building better tools, workflows, and environments. Lead efforts to automate and optimize systems, including CI/CD pipelines , infrastructure provisioning (IaC) , and deployment workflows. Own and evolve our observability stack (metrics, tracing, logs) to improve usability and performance. Grafana-centric ecosystems are a plus. Implement and advocate for best practices in software reliability, fault tolerance, and performance tuning. Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve system reliability issues , performing root cause analyses and implementing long-term fixes. Partner with teams to design and operate Software Defined Network (SDN) solutions. Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team culture where respectful debate and continuous learning are celebrated. Must Haves: Strong experience with public cloud infrastructure , ideally GCP. Deep expertise in Kubernetes , architecture, deployment, ops, and resource optimization. Demonstrated ability to design and build scalable, highly available systems . Familiarity with Software Defined Networking (SDN) concepts and tools. Experience implementing and maintaining observability stacks (Grafana, Prometheus, Loki, etc.). Proficiency in at least one backend language: Go, Python, Rust, C/C++, or Java . Deep understanding and hands-on experience with DevOps practices : CI/CD, infrastructure as code (IaC), and automation. Proven track record of working in fast-paced, high-growth technical environments . Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to operate independently with a proactive, results-driven mindset . Strong communication skills; thrives in a multicultural, cross-functional team. Nice to Haves: Hands-on experience with GitOps frameworks (ArgoCD, FluxCD). Interest or experience in FinOps and cost-optimized architectures . Understanding of orchestration in resource-constrained environments , like space systems. Knowledge of systems engineering tools and SDLC governance. Familiarity with security practices , vulnerability scanning, threat detection, risk mitigation. Master's degree in Computer Science or a similar field Some of Our Awesome Benefits: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays 401(k) plan and equity options Daily catered lunches and snacks in office International exposure to our team in France Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support Off-sites and many social events and celebrations Relocation assistance when applicable State law requires us to tell you the base compensation range for this role, which is $180,000- $240,000 per year. This is determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we evaluate individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they meet 100% of the qualifications. At Loft, we value respectful debate and people who aren't afraid to challenge assumptions. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Who We Are Loft: Space Made Simple. Founded in 2017, Loft provides governments, companies, and research institutions with a fast, reliable, and simple way to deploy missions in orbit. We integrate, launch, and operate spacecraft, offering end-to-end missions as a service across Earth observation, IoT connectivity, on-orbit AI, national security missions, and more. Leveraging our existing space infrastructure and an extensive inventory of satellite buses, Loft is reducing years-long integration and launch timelines to months. With more than 30 missions flown, Loft's flight heritage and proven technologies enable customers to focus on their mission objectives. With a growing fleet on track to reach 30 satellites by 2027, we are scaling up quickly across our offices in San Francisco, CA Golden, CO and Toulouse, France to meet accelerating demand for space infrastructure. As an international company your resume will be reviewed by people across our offices so please attach a copy in English. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Job Description Job Description 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 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 NETWORK SOFTWARE ENGINEER II - SECRET CLEARANCE Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Senior Network Software Engineer II to be based out of our office in Littleton, CO. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab's flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with RF and spacecraft experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Head of Flight Software. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft. Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership Plan major integration points and testing between teams Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline 8+ years of relevant work industry experience Comprehensive knowledge of network software. Knowledge of the software development lifecycle Experience using Jira for software development management Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management Active Secret security clearance, with eligibility to obtain TS/SCI U.S citizenship required due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline Active TS/SCI security clearance An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them. Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures Experience with Cyber Security controls Experience with encryption Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc. Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc. Experience with Docker Experience with Kubernetes Experience with DevSecOps Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships 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. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $130,000-$175,000 USD 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 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.
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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 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 NETWORK SOFTWARE ENGINEER II - SECRET CLEARANCE Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Senior Network Software Engineer II to be based out of our office in Littleton, CO. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab's flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with RF and spacecraft experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Head of Flight Software. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft. Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership Plan major integration points and testing between teams Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline 8+ years of relevant work industry experience Comprehensive knowledge of network software. Knowledge of the software development lifecycle Experience using Jira for software development management Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management Active Secret security clearance, with eligibility to obtain TS/SCI U.S citizenship required due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline Active TS/SCI security clearance An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them. Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures Experience with Cyber Security controls Experience with encryption Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc. Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc. Experience with Docker Experience with Kubernetes Experience with DevSecOps Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships 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. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $130,000-$175,000 USD 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 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.
Job Description Job Description 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 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. PRINCIPAL NETWORK SOFTWARE ENGINEER Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Principal Network Software Engineer , to be based out of our office in Littleton, CO. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab's flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with RF and spacecraft experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Senior Director of Space Systems Software. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft. Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership Plan major integration points and testing between teams Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline 12+ years of relevant work industry experience 3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors Thorough understanding of network software Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle Experience using Jira for software development management Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management Active TS/SCI clearance U.S citizenship required due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them. Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures Experience with Cyber Security controls Experience with encryption Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc. Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc. Experience with Docker Experience with Kubernetes Experience with DevSecOps Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationship 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. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $170,000-$220,000 USD 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 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.
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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 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. PRINCIPAL NETWORK SOFTWARE ENGINEER Rocket Lab is looking for a driven Principal Network Software Engineer , to be based out of our office in Littleton, CO. This role will work with a team of engineers on Rocket Lab's flagship efforts to deliver on program milestones related to Space-to-Space Communications, Space-to-Ground Communications, Payload Software, and Data Security. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing software development efforts for embedded systems and government programs. Knowledge of secure network systems is a must have, with RF and spacecraft experience being an additional benefit. This role will report to the Senior Director of Space Systems Software. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Manage the software development and integration of routers, radios, and laser communication devices on a constellation of spacecraft. Manage suppliers and subcontractors to successfully develop and test an integrated system Interface directly with subcontractors, consultants, and internal engineering teams to develop and maintain product development plans, provide progress updates, and meet project delivery milestones Design and develop simulation and test approaches for constellation networking Define KPIs for contractors and internal development teams Set the battle rhythm for subcontractors to provide feature drops to the overall program Develop and maintain staffing plans with senior leadership Plan major integration points and testing between teams Drive best practices for collecting feedback and implementing improvements Develop and maintain software development standards and procedures to ensure that all software deliverables are of the highest quality and meet customer requirements YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline 12+ years of relevant work industry experience 3+ years of experience with project management and interfacing with external contractors Thorough understanding of network software Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle Experience using Jira for software development management Experience with systems engineering methods including systems trades, requirements management, performance characterization, and interface management Active TS/SCI clearance U.S citizenship required due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master's degree in aerospace, computer science, electrical engineering, or other technical discipline An ownership outlook with the desire to build lasting systems and a willingness to identify gaps, develop plans to address them, and engage stakeholders to fill them. Experience with SDA NEBULA architectures Experience with Cyber Security controls Experience with encryption Experience leading a team utilizing agile methodologies Project management qualifications such as PMP, APMP, etc. Ability to identify and address problems with a proactive and systemic approach Proficiency with project and engineering management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc. Experience with Docker Experience with Kubernetes Experience with DevSecOps Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationship 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. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $170,000-$220,000 USD 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 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.
Job Description Job Description 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. SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER II 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 Senior Machine Learning Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Long Beach, CA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and beyond by building deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) image processing. WHAT YOU'LL DO Develop computer vision algorithms and deep neural networks for image and video processing chains. Collaborate with other researchers/engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. Work with physics-based image simulation frameworks to scale training and validation data. Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications. Preform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems. Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new systems. Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools, frameworks, and techniques. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR IN A SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER II: Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of experience, master's degree or a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Strong background in math and fundamentals of machine learning, including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment Experience in building deep learning neural networks (e.g., CNN) for computer vision, image processing, or analyses, e.g., object detection, image segmentation, and tracking) Strong math background, particularly linear algebra and optimization theory Proficiency in Python Experience with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, Pytorch, etc) Software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, CI/CD, containerization S. citizenship is required due to program requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance. NICE TO HAVE: Proficiency in C/C++/Rust. Experience curating quality, real-world datasets for training deep learning models. TS/SCI security clearance. 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. 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. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. 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, 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $130,000-$229,100 USD Base Salary $153,000-$204,000 USD 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 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.
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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. SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER II 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 Senior Machine Learning Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Long Beach, CA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and beyond by building deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) image processing. WHAT YOU'LL DO Develop computer vision algorithms and deep neural networks for image and video processing chains. Collaborate with other researchers/engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. Work with physics-based image simulation frameworks to scale training and validation data. Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications. Preform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems. Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new systems. Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools, frameworks, and techniques. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR IN A SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER II: Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of experience, master's degree or a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Strong background in math and fundamentals of machine learning, including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment Experience in building deep learning neural networks (e.g., CNN) for computer vision, image processing, or analyses, e.g., object detection, image segmentation, and tracking) Strong math background, particularly linear algebra and optimization theory Proficiency in Python Experience with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, Pytorch, etc) Software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, CI/CD, containerization S. citizenship is required due to program requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance. NICE TO HAVE: Proficiency in C/C++/Rust. Experience curating quality, real-world datasets for training deep learning models. TS/SCI security clearance. 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. 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. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. 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, 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $130,000-$229,100 USD Base Salary $153,000-$204,000 USD 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 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.
Job Description Job Description 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 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 RF RADAR ENGINEER II Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior RF Engineer II - Radar/RF who will be responsible for the technical development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will drive radar system architecture, oversee RF component integration, and support hands-on radar testing and calibration. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of radar engineering, RF systems design, and spacecraft systems experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: System Development Lead technical development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development Define and maintain radar performance requirements and link budget specifications accounting for orbital parameters Conduct radar payload design trades including antenna selection, waveform optimization, and processing architectures for space platforms Drive key technical decisions for radar modes, timing, PRF selection, and RF chain design considering orbit dynamics Complete radar analyses including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, ambiguity analysis, interference assessment, and orbital effects on performance Analyze mission requirements including orbit selection, ground track patterns, and revisit characteristics Develop and execute radar calibration strategies and image quality validation methods for spaceborne systems Support the development of radar test plans, procedures, and automated test systems Lead the design and development of radar GSE including calibration sources and test fixtures Support spacecraft integration activities and interface with bus subsystem teams (power, thermal, ADCS, data handling) Support the development of product documentation including ICDs, test reports, and User Manuals Radar & RF Engineering Design and analyze radar waveforms for various space-based imaging and detection applications Perform radar system modeling and simulation using tools such as MATLAB, STK, or custom codes including orbital propagation Assess and integrate COTS RF components for space-qualified radar transmit/receive chains Support hands-on radar testing including EIRP measurements, receiver sensitivity, etc. Interface with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, mechanical, thermal, structural, and software engineers Customer/Program Support Review proposals and requirements specifications for space-based radar payload opportunities Scope and drive development activities for new radar capabilities Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs Provide technical support to internal/external customers including radar performance troubleshooting Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field 8+ years of relevant experience Hands-on experience with space-based radar systems including system integration and mission operations, including imaging modes, processing, and performance assessment Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems including how orbit parameters affect radar performance Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including power, thermal, ADCS, and their impact on radar payload design Strong radar system knowledge including waveform design, pulse compression, and Doppler processing Solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF systems including link budgets, linearity, and noise analysis Experience developing and delivering radar/RF systems from requirements through testing for space applications Proficiency with radar simulation tools and orbital analysis software Experience with radar testing including range measurements and RF performance characterization U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI clearance THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Existing DoD TS/SCI clearance Extensive experience in space-grade radar system design and environmental testing Knowledge of advanced SAR techniques (GMTI, InSAR, polarimetry) for space platforms 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) $151,500-$252,500 USD 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 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. . click apply for full job details
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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 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 RF RADAR ENGINEER II Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Senior RF Engineer II - Radar/RF who will be responsible for the technical development of radar and RF systems including SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and space-based radar applications. You will drive radar system architecture, oversee RF component integration, and support hands-on radar testing and calibration. The successful candidate will have a strong combination of radar engineering, RF systems design, and spacecraft systems experience, and will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: System Development Lead technical development of space-based radar systems including architecture design, prototyping, integration, test, and flight development Define and maintain radar performance requirements and link budget specifications accounting for orbital parameters Conduct radar payload design trades including antenna selection, waveform optimization, and processing architectures for space platforms Drive key technical decisions for radar modes, timing, PRF selection, and RF chain design considering orbit dynamics Complete radar analyses including range/Doppler resolution, SNR, ambiguity analysis, interference assessment, and orbital effects on performance Analyze mission requirements including orbit selection, ground track patterns, and revisit characteristics Develop and execute radar calibration strategies and image quality validation methods for spaceborne systems Support the development of radar test plans, procedures, and automated test systems Lead the design and development of radar GSE including calibration sources and test fixtures Support spacecraft integration activities and interface with bus subsystem teams (power, thermal, ADCS, data handling) Support the development of product documentation including ICDs, test reports, and User Manuals Radar & RF Engineering Design and analyze radar waveforms for various space-based imaging and detection applications Perform radar system modeling and simulation using tools such as MATLAB, STK, or custom codes including orbital propagation Assess and integrate COTS RF components for space-qualified radar transmit/receive chains Support hands-on radar testing including EIRP measurements, receiver sensitivity, etc. Interface with multidisciplinary teams including RF, digital, mechanical, thermal, structural, and software engineers Customer/Program Support Review proposals and requirements specifications for space-based radar payload opportunities Scope and drive development activities for new radar capabilities Support engineering reviews such as PDRs, CDRs and TRRs Provide technical support to internal/external customers including radar performance troubleshooting Maintain broad awareness of product development and production schedules YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field 8+ years of relevant experience Hands-on experience with space-based radar systems including system integration and mission operations, including imaging modes, processing, and performance assessment Strong understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems including how orbit parameters affect radar performance Working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including power, thermal, ADCS, and their impact on radar payload design Strong radar system knowledge including waveform design, pulse compression, and Doppler processing Solid theoretical and practical understanding of RF systems including link budgets, linearity, and noise analysis Experience developing and delivering radar/RF systems from requirements through testing for space applications Proficiency with radar simulation tools and orbital analysis software Experience with radar testing including range measurements and RF performance characterization U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI clearance THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Existing DoD TS/SCI clearance Extensive experience in space-grade radar system design and environmental testing Knowledge of advanced SAR techniques (GMTI, InSAR, polarimetry) for space platforms 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) $151,500-$252,500 USD 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 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. . click apply for full job details
Job Description Job Description 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 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 GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER I As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I based at Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across our Space Systems missions. You will help define and evolve the end-to-end architecture of ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and mission success for both internal teams and external customers. This role is highly visible, with deliverables that support internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Own major parts of architecture and evolve Rocket Lab's web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations. Partner with flight software developers, mission operations personnel, and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable ground system designs. Deploy, configure, and optimize the Rocket Lab Ground Data System for diverse mission profiles. Establish robust monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks to proactively detect and mitigate issues. Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to ensure mission resilience, system integration, and long-term maintainability. Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on ground software strategy, risk areas, and emerging technologies. YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline 5+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Full-stack development experience, including: Backend - Python, Golang, and/or Rust Frontend - Typescript and Angular Database - InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like PlaywrighT CC Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground/mission operations Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent) Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end system design and delivery with engineering teams Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented software designs Familiarity with database architecture, schema design, and optimization Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (OAuth, etc.) Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD 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. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $114,000-$172,000 USD 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 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.
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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 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 GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER I As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I based at Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across our Space Systems missions. You will help define and evolve the end-to-end architecture of ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and mission success for both internal teams and external customers. This role is highly visible, with deliverables that support internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Own major parts of architecture and evolve Rocket Lab's web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations. Partner with flight software developers, mission operations personnel, and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable ground system designs. Deploy, configure, and optimize the Rocket Lab Ground Data System for diverse mission profiles. Establish robust monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks to proactively detect and mitigate issues. Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to ensure mission resilience, system integration, and long-term maintainability. Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on ground software strategy, risk areas, and emerging technologies. YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline 5+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Full-stack development experience, including: Backend - Python, Golang, and/or Rust Frontend - Typescript and Angular Database - InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like PlaywrighT CC Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground/mission operations Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent) Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end system design and delivery with engineering teams Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented software designs Familiarity with database architecture, schema design, and optimization Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (OAuth, etc.) Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD 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. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $114,000-$172,000 USD 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 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.
Job Description Job Description Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that's redefining what's possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job As Umbra's Cryptographic Systems Engineer , you will own the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type 1 cryptographic capabilities across our space and ground systems. You will lead the development of secure communications architectures from concept development and trade studies through implementation, integration, verification, NSA certification and accreditation, launch, and on-orbit operations. Working closely with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, government customers, and the National Security Agency, you will define the COMSEC architecture that protects command and telemetry links, mission data, and cross-domain interfaces for national security missions. This role is responsible for ensuring Umbra's secure communications solutions meet the highest standards for performance, resiliency, and compliance while supporting rapid development, production, and deployment of advanced space systems. As the technical authority for cryptographic integration, you will establish the engineering standards, certification strategy, and secure communications framework that future Umbra programs build upon. This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office or Reston, VA office. Key Responsibilities Own the end-to-end architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft, payload, and ground segment. Lead crypto designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, certification, and on-orbit operations. Define COMSEC architecture for command, telemetry, and mission data protection, including encryption, key management, and key loading approaches. Serve as Umbras primary technical interface to NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation. Drive the certification and accreditation effort, developing the artifacts, test evidence, and documentation required to achieve and maintain approval to operate. Partner with flight software, avionics, RF, ground, and security teams to integrate cryptographic functions into the broader system architecture. Support COMSEC handling, key management planning, and operational procedures for on-orbit fleet operations. Identify and mitigate cryptographic and supply-chain risks across design and production. Establish reusable cryptographic standards, interfaces, and processes that scale across Umbras satellite production line. Requirements Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. 8+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications. Direct experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment, integration, and certification processes. Working knowledge of key management, key loading, and COMSEC handling requirements. Experience taking a hardware or system design through certification and accreditation to operational use. Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to reason from first principles across hardware, software, and RF boundaries. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Desired Qualifications 12+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications. Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere with competing priorities and aggressive schedules. Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations. Experience supporting ISR, SAR, or other space-based intelligence collection missions. Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment. Background in RF, link design, or secure command and telemetry systems. Experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations. Knowledge of satellite mission operations, TT&C systems, mission planning, or ground data processing architectures. Experience supporting U.S. Government, DoD, Intelligence Community, or NRO space programs. Benefits Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded) Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded) 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution Stock Options Free Parking Free lunch daily in office Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Employment Eligibility Verification In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire. ITAR/EAR Requirements This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Pay Transparency This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience. Compensation Range The Compensation Range for this role is $190,000 - $220,000 DOE.
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that's redefining what's possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job As Umbra's Cryptographic Systems Engineer , you will own the architecture, integration, and lifecycle management of Type 1 cryptographic capabilities across our space and ground systems. You will lead the development of secure communications architectures from concept development and trade studies through implementation, integration, verification, NSA certification and accreditation, launch, and on-orbit operations. Working closely with mission systems, spacecraft, ground software, government customers, and the National Security Agency, you will define the COMSEC architecture that protects command and telemetry links, mission data, and cross-domain interfaces for national security missions. This role is responsible for ensuring Umbra's secure communications solutions meet the highest standards for performance, resiliency, and compliance while supporting rapid development, production, and deployment of advanced space systems. As the technical authority for cryptographic integration, you will establish the engineering standards, certification strategy, and secure communications framework that future Umbra programs build upon. This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office or Reston, VA office. Key Responsibilities Own the end-to-end architecture and design of Type-1 cryptographic integrations across the spacecraft, payload, and ground segment. Lead crypto designs from concept and trade studies through implementation, integration, certification, and on-orbit operations. Define COMSEC architecture for command, telemetry, and mission data protection, including encryption, key management, and key loading approaches. Serve as Umbras primary technical interface to NSA, certification authorities, and government customers on cryptographic certification and accreditation. Drive the certification and accreditation effort, developing the artifacts, test evidence, and documentation required to achieve and maintain approval to operate. Partner with flight software, avionics, RF, ground, and security teams to integrate cryptographic functions into the broader system architecture. Support COMSEC handling, key management planning, and operational procedures for on-orbit fleet operations. Identify and mitigate cryptographic and supply-chain risks across design and production. Establish reusable cryptographic standards, interfaces, and processes that scale across Umbras satellite production line. Requirements Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. 8+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications. Direct experience with NSA Type-1 cryptographic equipment, integration, and certification processes. Working knowledge of key management, key loading, and COMSEC handling requirements. Experience taking a hardware or system design through certification and accreditation to operational use. Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to reason from first principles across hardware, software, and RF boundaries. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Desired Qualifications 12+ years of engineering experience with cryptographic systems, COMSEC, or secure communications. Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere with competing priorities and aggressive schedules. Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other space-system cryptographic integrations. Experience supporting ISR, SAR, or other space-based intelligence collection missions. Familiarity with cryptographic modernization initiatives and current NSA-approved algorithms and equipment. Background in RF, link design, or secure command and telemetry systems. Experience supporting on-orbit or fielded operations. Knowledge of satellite mission operations, TT&C systems, mission planning, or ground data processing architectures. Experience supporting U.S. Government, DoD, Intelligence Community, or NRO space programs. Benefits Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded) Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded) 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution Stock Options Free Parking Free lunch daily in office Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Employment Eligibility Verification In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire. ITAR/EAR Requirements This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Pay Transparency This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience. Compensation Range The Compensation Range for this role is $190,000 - $220,000 DOE.
Job Description Job Description 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 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 SYSTEMS ENGINEER I - SPACECRAFT DESIGN Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Systems Engineer I - Spacecraft Design is responsible for leading the mechanical formulation of all new satellite systems, including structures, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations to support the capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business. You will manage the development and maintenance of mass and mechanical technical budgets, mechanical requirements definition, configuration trades, test planning and execution, and overall management of the mechanical systems engineering process, including validation of customer requirements. You will support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the broader Space Systems Business Development organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Lead Rocket Lab's satellite mechanical engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture Develop high performance and lightweight satellite bus configurations, structures, and mechanisms for our customers Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions Define what mechanisms and deployment systems look like on a modern satellite system/bus Develop and maintain: Mass and mechanical technical budgets for vehicle performance Mechanical system requirements and verification techniques Structural, mechanism, and packaging analyses across vehicle functions, including hand-calcs and FEA Test methods and data analysis (structural, thermal, vibe) Lead and own the mechanical technical development of spacecraft missions from conceptual design through production, test, and operation Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures Assist with program and product management, including development schedules, vendors, and budgets Develop, in collaboration with team members, mechanical interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs Experience with CAD modeling and drawing US citizenship is required, due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Active security clearance Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical engineering discipline Spacecraft/satellite design experience Rapid conceptual design iteration experience Experience developing satellite deployment systems and mechanisms Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills Ability to perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions Ability to apply GD&T to component designs Hands-on development and testing experience Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (thermal, vibe) Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their interfaces, including attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with team and internal/external customers Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities 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. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $144,000-$206,000 USD Base Salary $124,000-$171,000 USD 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 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. . click apply for full job details
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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 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 SYSTEMS ENGINEER I - SPACECRAFT DESIGN Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Systems Engineer I - Spacecraft Design is responsible for leading the mechanical formulation of all new satellite systems, including structures, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations to support the capture of new civil, national security, and commercial business. You will manage the development and maintenance of mass and mechanical technical budgets, mechanical requirements definition, configuration trades, test planning and execution, and overall management of the mechanical systems engineering process, including validation of customer requirements. You will support the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy and the broader Space Systems Business Development organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Lead Rocket Lab's satellite mechanical engineering formulation supporting business development and new opportunity capture Develop high performance and lightweight satellite bus configurations, structures, and mechanisms for our customers Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions Define what mechanisms and deployment systems look like on a modern satellite system/bus Develop and maintain: Mass and mechanical technical budgets for vehicle performance Mechanical system requirements and verification techniques Structural, mechanism, and packaging analyses across vehicle functions, including hand-calcs and FEA Test methods and data analysis (structural, thermal, vibe) Lead and own the mechanical technical development of spacecraft missions from conceptual design through production, test, and operation Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures Assist with program and product management, including development schedules, vendors, and budgets Develop, in collaboration with team members, mechanical interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs Experience with CAD modeling and drawing US citizenship is required, due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Active security clearance Master's or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical engineering discipline Spacecraft/satellite design experience Rapid conceptual design iteration experience Experience developing satellite deployment systems and mechanisms Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills Ability to perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions Ability to apply GD&T to component designs Hands-on development and testing experience Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (thermal, vibe) Understanding of key spacecraft subsystems and their interfaces, including attitude determination and control (ADCS), electrical power systems (EPS), space-ground communications, on-orbit command and data handling (C&DH), and thermal control Thorough understanding of the space environment, orbital mechanics, and rigid body dynamics Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with team and internal/external customers Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities 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. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $144,000-$206,000 USD Base Salary $124,000-$171,000 USD 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 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. . click apply for full job details
Job Description Job Description 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 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 SYSTEMS ENGINEER I - RF MISSION SOLUTIONS Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Mission Architect who thrives at the front end of the mission lifecycle. We operate on a work fast, bid fast, build fast cadence. We design and manufacture high-performance payload products that serve as the building blocks for next-generation tactical satcom, space-based sensing, and direct-to-cell constellations. In this role, you hold primary technical ownership over how our core product line evolves to capture new missions. You will balance link budgets, antenna architectures, digital vs analog components, SWaP-C constraints and then some -while authoring those trades into winning technical concepts for defense and commercial customers. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Architect Clean-Sheet Payloads: Run early mission trades, define payload topologies, analog vs digital conversion boundary, waveform processing constraints, or integration of cryptographic requirement for optimal mission profiles. Drive Technical Capture: Work directly with customers and our leadership team to frame complex RF trade-offs, write the core technical architecture narratives for key proposals, and defend your design choices. Shape the Hardware Roadmap: Use insights from customer mission needs to directly influence our internal R&D, payload prototyping, and technology investments. Bridge Concept to Flight: Partner with payload hardware, software, and spacecraft teams to make sure the architectures you pitch are buildable and transition cleanly into flight development. YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems Demonstrated track record architecting complex multi-function RF, SAR/radar, or digital communication payloads from concept to proposal win Active TS/SCI security clearance THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Advanced degree in RF/microwave, electromagnetics, radar, or related field Experience in antennas, arrays, RF front end architectures, TR modules, DSP Radar techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP), performance modeling Advanced waveforms, protected tactical standards, spectrum management Digital payload concepts and RF compute convergence Radiation effects and resilient RF architectures Zero trust, Post-quantum Cryptography requirements at hardware level Tools: STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST Understanding of spacecraft bus systems and their impact on payloads RF-centric mission design and integration experience Visionary and technically rigorous Comfortable in ambiguity and open ended missions Resilient against "that can't be done" thinking Collaborative across BD, engineering, executives, suppliers, and partners A clear communicator able to explain complex decisions in mission + financial context Efficient: strong foundations but always seeking faster, smarter ways to execute Entrepreneurial: eager to pursue bold ideas and see them come to life Either a seasoned architect ready to influence strategy, or a fast-learning cleared engineer ready to accelerate into mission formulation 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. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $144,000-$206,000 USD Base Salary $124,000-$171,000 USD 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 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.
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description 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 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 SYSTEMS ENGINEER I - RF MISSION SOLUTIONS Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior RF Mission Architect who thrives at the front end of the mission lifecycle. We operate on a work fast, bid fast, build fast cadence. We design and manufacture high-performance payload products that serve as the building blocks for next-generation tactical satcom, space-based sensing, and direct-to-cell constellations. In this role, you hold primary technical ownership over how our core product line evolves to capture new missions. You will balance link budgets, antenna architectures, digital vs analog components, SWaP-C constraints and then some -while authoring those trades into winning technical concepts for defense and commercial customers. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Architect Clean-Sheet Payloads: Run early mission trades, define payload topologies, analog vs digital conversion boundary, waveform processing constraints, or integration of cryptographic requirement for optimal mission profiles. Drive Technical Capture: Work directly with customers and our leadership team to frame complex RF trade-offs, write the core technical architecture narratives for key proposals, and defend your design choices. Shape the Hardware Roadmap: Use insights from customer mission needs to directly influence our internal R&D, payload prototyping, and technology investments. Bridge Concept to Flight: Partner with payload hardware, software, and spacecraft teams to make sure the architectures you pitch are buildable and transition cleanly into flight development. YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other technical discipline 5+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RF systems Demonstrated track record architecting complex multi-function RF, SAR/radar, or digital communication payloads from concept to proposal win Active TS/SCI security clearance THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Advanced degree in RF/microwave, electromagnetics, radar, or related field Experience in antennas, arrays, RF front end architectures, TR modules, DSP Radar techniques (SAR, MTI, STAP), performance modeling Advanced waveforms, protected tactical standards, spectrum management Digital payload concepts and RF compute convergence Radiation effects and resilient RF architectures Zero trust, Post-quantum Cryptography requirements at hardware level Tools: STK, MATLAB, Python, HFSS, CST Understanding of spacecraft bus systems and their impact on payloads RF-centric mission design and integration experience Visionary and technically rigorous Comfortable in ambiguity and open ended missions Resilient against "that can't be done" thinking Collaborative across BD, engineering, executives, suppliers, and partners A clear communicator able to explain complex decisions in mission + financial context Efficient: strong foundations but always seeking faster, smarter ways to execute Entrepreneurial: eager to pursue bold ideas and see them come to life Either a seasoned architect ready to influence strategy, or a fast-learning cleared engineer ready to accelerate into mission formulation 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. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. 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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $144,000-$206,000 USD Base Salary $124,000-$171,000 USD 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 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.
Job Description Job Description Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that's redefining what's possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job Umbra is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for a complex space mission program spanning space, ground, launch, mission operations, and mission design. This individual will serve as the program's senior technical lead, maintaining the program technical baseline and ensuring alignment across internal engineering teams, program leadership, partners, and the customer. The Lead Systems Engineer will work closely with the Program Manager on a daily basis to manage technical execution, respond to customer needs, maintain program scope, manage technical risks, and develop solutions and offsets as program requirements evolve. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role requiring strong systems engineering fundamentals, operational experience, technical judgment, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through major program milestones and delivery activities. This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office, Reston, VA office, or Santa Barbara, CA office. Key Responsibilities Own and maintain the program technical baseline, ensuring requirements, interfaces, architecture, and technical decisions remain aligned across the program. Provide systems engineering leadership across the: Space Element Ground Element Launch Element Mission Operations Mission Design and Modeling & Simulation Maintain technical alignment among Umbra engineering teams, program management, external partners, and the customer. Partner daily with the Program Manager to address customer requests, maintain program scope, identify and manage technical risks, and develop program offsets and alternative solutions as needed. Support mission design, analysis, and modeling and simulation activities using tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent platforms. Apply knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing mission concepts of operations to system design and mission execution. Lead the development, coordination, and delivery of systems engineering documentation and customer-facing technical presentations. Serve as the Umbra technical lead at key customer-facing reviews, acceptance events, and program milestones, including CDRs, ICD activities, VCRMs, and similar technical reviews. Support flight operations, ground-system sustainment, and flight-software maintenance throughout program execution. Develop and support operations and maintenance training programs for on-site customer personnel. Travel as required to support customer engagements, program reviews, integration activities, training, and acceptance milestones. Requirements Required Qualifications 8+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, spacecraft, or remote sensing programs. Demonstrated knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing mission concepts of operations. Experience with mission modeling and simulation tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or similar platforms. Demonstrated ability to develop and lead systems engineering documentation, technical reviews, and customer presentations. Experience with flight operations, ground systems, and flight-software maintenance or sustainment. Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and drive technical issues to resolution. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers and senior program leadership. Willingness and ability to travel domestic and internationally as required. Desired Qualifications 12+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, spacecraft, or remote sensing programs. Software development, scripting, data analysis, or other relevant coding experience. Previous responsibility for the successful delivery and customer acceptance of flight hardware, flight software, or operational ground systems. Experience leading technical activities through major aerospace program lifecycle milestones such as CDR, integration, verification, validation, acceptance, and operational transition. Experience supporting deployed or on-site customer operations and training. Demonstrated experience balancing technical performance, program scope, schedule, risk, and customer priorities. Benefits Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded) Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded) 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution Stock Options Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed Free lunch daily in office Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment Eligibility Verification In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire. ITAR/EAR Requirements This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Pay Transparency This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience. Compensation Range The Compensation Range for this role is $180,000 - $210,000 DOE.
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that's redefining what's possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job Umbra is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for a complex space mission program spanning space, ground, launch, mission operations, and mission design. This individual will serve as the program's senior technical lead, maintaining the program technical baseline and ensuring alignment across internal engineering teams, program leadership, partners, and the customer. The Lead Systems Engineer will work closely with the Program Manager on a daily basis to manage technical execution, respond to customer needs, maintain program scope, manage technical risks, and develop solutions and offsets as program requirements evolve. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role requiring strong systems engineering fundamentals, operational experience, technical judgment, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through major program milestones and delivery activities. This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office, Reston, VA office, or Santa Barbara, CA office. Key Responsibilities Own and maintain the program technical baseline, ensuring requirements, interfaces, architecture, and technical decisions remain aligned across the program. Provide systems engineering leadership across the: Space Element Ground Element Launch Element Mission Operations Mission Design and Modeling & Simulation Maintain technical alignment among Umbra engineering teams, program management, external partners, and the customer. Partner daily with the Program Manager to address customer requests, maintain program scope, identify and manage technical risks, and develop program offsets and alternative solutions as needed. Support mission design, analysis, and modeling and simulation activities using tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent platforms. Apply knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing mission concepts of operations to system design and mission execution. Lead the development, coordination, and delivery of systems engineering documentation and customer-facing technical presentations. Serve as the Umbra technical lead at key customer-facing reviews, acceptance events, and program milestones, including CDRs, ICD activities, VCRMs, and similar technical reviews. Support flight operations, ground-system sustainment, and flight-software maintenance throughout program execution. Develop and support operations and maintenance training programs for on-site customer personnel. Travel as required to support customer engagements, program reviews, integration activities, training, and acceptance milestones. Requirements Required Qualifications 8+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, spacecraft, or remote sensing programs. Demonstrated knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing mission concepts of operations. Experience with mission modeling and simulation tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or similar platforms. Demonstrated ability to develop and lead systems engineering documentation, technical reviews, and customer presentations. Experience with flight operations, ground systems, and flight-software maintenance or sustainment. Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and drive technical issues to resolution. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers and senior program leadership. Willingness and ability to travel domestic and internationally as required. Desired Qualifications 12+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, spacecraft, or remote sensing programs. Software development, scripting, data analysis, or other relevant coding experience. Previous responsibility for the successful delivery and customer acceptance of flight hardware, flight software, or operational ground systems. Experience leading technical activities through major aerospace program lifecycle milestones such as CDR, integration, verification, validation, acceptance, and operational transition. Experience supporting deployed or on-site customer operations and training. Demonstrated experience balancing technical performance, program scope, schedule, risk, and customer priorities. Benefits Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded) Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded) 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution Stock Options Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed Free lunch daily in office Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment Eligibility Verification In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire. ITAR/EAR Requirements This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Pay Transparency This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience. Compensation Range The Compensation Range for this role is $180,000 - $210,000 DOE.
Job Description Job Description About us We are EnduroSat! A fast-growing space scale-up at the forefront of satellite innovation, specializing in advanced software-flexible satellites for commercial, governmental, and scientific endeavors. This is more than a job, it s a mission We are making space universally accessible and redefining the possible We get things done We take ownership of what we do and we work hard to make a difference We are fearless Transpаrancy is our only way forward. We dare to address and resolve issues head-on We learn from our mistakes We deliver, take informed risks, and evolve to achieve our goals. We compare with the best version of ourselves What is the role? We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Test Engineer to join our engineering team for AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Testing) of satellites. The ideal candidate will specialize in the testing of satellite payloads and spacecraft buses, ensuring the seamless planning and execution of testing satellite modules through fully-integrated satellites. The role will require working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that all systems meet technical specifications, are integrated correctly, and undergo thorough testing before launch. This role is based in Denver, Colorado, where we are building a high-performing and fast-paced team. The position will be primarily on-site and in person at the office. Some of your daily tasks will also include: Assembly, Integration, and Testing: Lead the testing of spacecraft buses, ensuring that all components work together as designed. Collaborate with payload engineers, bus engineers, and other team members to define interfaces and test requirements. Develop and execute test plans and procedures, ensuring the system meets all performance requirements. Troubleshoot integration and test issues, providing solutions to challenges that arise during the integration and test phases. Ensure all payload and bus test activities adhere to company processes, quality standards, and industry regulations. Develop, implement, and manage test procedures for various satellite subsystems, including payloads, buses, and power systems. Develop and execute test scripts to standardize and automate testing Ensure projects stay on schedule and work cross-functionally to quickly resolve issues that arise across all phases of AIT. Support environmental testing, including thermal/vacuum tests, vibration testing, and electrical performance testing. Documentation and Reporting: Prepare detailed documentation for testing processes, including test plans, test procedures, test reports, and troubleshooting logs. Maintain accurate records of AIT activities, including test results, and communicate progress to senior engineering and program management teams. Provide recommendations for improvements based on test results and lessons learned from integration and testing activities. What do we look for? Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred). 3+ years of experience in systems engineering or AIT roles, with a focus on satellite payload and bus integration. Hands-on experience with satellite payloads, spacecraft buses, and integration/testing procedures. Experience with satellite environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC testing) is highly desirable. Proficiency in systems engineering processes, including requirements management, verification, and validation. Familiarity with AIT tools, equipment, and test setups used in satellite integration and test. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively report on test results, document issues, and communicate with various teams. Willingness to travel occasionally in the US and internationally. Based in the Denver area or willing to relocate. US citizen or US permanent resident. How to Stand Out: Previous experience in project execution applying ECSS standards Demonstrated hands-on experience testing satellite platforms System modeling and simulation tools such as Matlab, Simulink and Python Knowledge of cloud-based architectures Knowledge of security architectures and standards applicable to space systems. Knowledge of satellite onboard processing and image processing and the potential use of AI algorithms for edge computing. What do we offer? Health insurance coverage Matching 401k plan Generous team performance-based bonus Collaboration with EnduroSat offices in Sofia, Berlin, and Toulouse, with occasional international travel Salary range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year. The state of Colorado requires listing salary details. The salary will likely be within this range although it may differ based on experience level or other factors. Why EnduroSat? Fast-paced and delivery-focused culture We work with well-defined quarterly based objectives, that allow us to fast-track the progression of our work and improve as we go Tough engineering challenges & hard-core R&D You will be able to work on unique space technology and build next-gen innovations, while mentored by world-recognized space experts Constant learning and progression Own your personal growth by navigating through our career progression framework and educational programs Chance to join our space educational program Meet international space experts and improve your knowledge and skillset with our hands-on educational program At EnduroSat, we embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with fairness and respect. We are committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, this position is suitable for people with disabilities in accordance with the People with Disabilities National Regulation Act, ensuring accessibility and accommodation in the workplace. Powered by JazzHR gFUw3Bhmd1
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description About us We are EnduroSat! A fast-growing space scale-up at the forefront of satellite innovation, specializing in advanced software-flexible satellites for commercial, governmental, and scientific endeavors. This is more than a job, it s a mission We are making space universally accessible and redefining the possible We get things done We take ownership of what we do and we work hard to make a difference We are fearless Transpаrancy is our only way forward. We dare to address and resolve issues head-on We learn from our mistakes We deliver, take informed risks, and evolve to achieve our goals. We compare with the best version of ourselves What is the role? We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Test Engineer to join our engineering team for AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Testing) of satellites. The ideal candidate will specialize in the testing of satellite payloads and spacecraft buses, ensuring the seamless planning and execution of testing satellite modules through fully-integrated satellites. The role will require working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that all systems meet technical specifications, are integrated correctly, and undergo thorough testing before launch. This role is based in Denver, Colorado, where we are building a high-performing and fast-paced team. The position will be primarily on-site and in person at the office. Some of your daily tasks will also include: Assembly, Integration, and Testing: Lead the testing of spacecraft buses, ensuring that all components work together as designed. Collaborate with payload engineers, bus engineers, and other team members to define interfaces and test requirements. Develop and execute test plans and procedures, ensuring the system meets all performance requirements. Troubleshoot integration and test issues, providing solutions to challenges that arise during the integration and test phases. Ensure all payload and bus test activities adhere to company processes, quality standards, and industry regulations. Develop, implement, and manage test procedures for various satellite subsystems, including payloads, buses, and power systems. Develop and execute test scripts to standardize and automate testing Ensure projects stay on schedule and work cross-functionally to quickly resolve issues that arise across all phases of AIT. Support environmental testing, including thermal/vacuum tests, vibration testing, and electrical performance testing. Documentation and Reporting: Prepare detailed documentation for testing processes, including test plans, test procedures, test reports, and troubleshooting logs. Maintain accurate records of AIT activities, including test results, and communicate progress to senior engineering and program management teams. Provide recommendations for improvements based on test results and lessons learned from integration and testing activities. What do we look for? Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred). 3+ years of experience in systems engineering or AIT roles, with a focus on satellite payload and bus integration. Hands-on experience with satellite payloads, spacecraft buses, and integration/testing procedures. Experience with satellite environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC testing) is highly desirable. Proficiency in systems engineering processes, including requirements management, verification, and validation. Familiarity with AIT tools, equipment, and test setups used in satellite integration and test. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively report on test results, document issues, and communicate with various teams. Willingness to travel occasionally in the US and internationally. Based in the Denver area or willing to relocate. US citizen or US permanent resident. How to Stand Out: Previous experience in project execution applying ECSS standards Demonstrated hands-on experience testing satellite platforms System modeling and simulation tools such as Matlab, Simulink and Python Knowledge of cloud-based architectures Knowledge of security architectures and standards applicable to space systems. Knowledge of satellite onboard processing and image processing and the potential use of AI algorithms for edge computing. What do we offer? Health insurance coverage Matching 401k plan Generous team performance-based bonus Collaboration with EnduroSat offices in Sofia, Berlin, and Toulouse, with occasional international travel Salary range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year. The state of Colorado requires listing salary details. The salary will likely be within this range although it may differ based on experience level or other factors. Why EnduroSat? Fast-paced and delivery-focused culture We work with well-defined quarterly based objectives, that allow us to fast-track the progression of our work and improve as we go Tough engineering challenges & hard-core R&D You will be able to work on unique space technology and build next-gen innovations, while mentored by world-recognized space experts Constant learning and progression Own your personal growth by navigating through our career progression framework and educational programs Chance to join our space educational program Meet international space experts and improve your knowledge and skillset with our hands-on educational program At EnduroSat, we embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with fairness and respect. We are committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, this position is suitable for people with disabilities in accordance with the People with Disabilities National Regulation Act, ensuring accessibility and accommodation in the workplace. Powered by JazzHR gFUw3Bhmd1
Job Description Job Description Senior Systems Engineer Location: Gravitics - Seattle WA, Colorado, (with future travel/support to other company locations as required) Department: Engineering Reports To: Head of Engineering About Gravitics At Gravitics, we're not exploring space - we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture large-scale orbital structures that enable commercial operations while meeting the requirements of defense and government missions. Our systems are built to scale and built to last-bridging commercial innovation with mission-critical performance. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future together. About the Role We are seeking a highly capable Systems Engineer to support technical execution of the commercial spacecraft program from architecture development through qualification, integration, test, launch, and mission operations. This role sits at the center of the program and works directly with Chief Engineers, subsystem leads, Program Management, Manufacturing, Integration & Test, Mission Assurance, and suppliers to ensure the spacecraft functions as an integrated system - not just a collection of subsystems. The ideal candidate is technically broad, execution-focused, comfortable in ambiguity, and able to balance engineering rigor with program realities including schedule, manufacturability, integration flow, and risk. This position will support development of human-rated spacecraft systems and therefore requires strong systems thinking, configuration discipline, verification planning, and cross-functional leadership. Responsibilities Support development and management of spacecraft system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches for the program Translate mission and program objectives into clear subsystem and vehicle-level technical requirements Develop and maintain system specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), CONOPS, verification matrices, and technical baselines Drive technical integration across: Structures and mechanisms Pressure systems Propulsion systems Avionics and software Thermal systems ECLSS / crew environment considerations Docking and payload interfaces Ground systems and GSE Support program technical reviews including: SRR PDR CDR TRR FRR Coordinate system-level trades balancing: Performance Mass Safety Reliability Manufacturability Testability Schedule and cost impacts Work closely with Manufacturing and Integration & Test teams to ensure designs are producible, inspectable, and verifiable Support development of system verification and validation plans including qualification, acceptance, protoflight, and integrated vehicle testing Participate in anomaly resolution, failure investigations, and risk reduction activities Support hazard analysis, FMEA/FDIR activities, and human-rating related assessments Ensure configuration control and technical baseline integrity throughout the program lifecycle Interface with customers, suppliers, and partner organizations as required Help drive closure of technical issues rather than simply tracking them Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline 5+ years of experience in aerospace systems engineering or integrated vehicle development Experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicle, aviation, defense, or other complex multidisciplinary systems Strong understanding of systems engineering processes including: Requirements development Interface management Verification and validation Configuration management Technical risk management Experience supporting technical reviews and hardware development programs Ability to operate across multiple engineering disciplines and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders Comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment with evolving priorities Preferred Qualifications Experience with human-rated spacecraft or crewed systems Experience supporting pressure vessels, propulsion systems, docking systems, or orbital vehicle integration Familiarity with NASA standards and spaceflight development processes Experience with MBSE tools, requirements management tools, or digital engineering environments Hands-on integration, test, manufacturing, or operations experience Experience supporting qualification and environmental test campaigns Familiarity with spaceflight safety and mission assurance processes What Success Looks Like Technical issues are identified early and driven to closure Vehicle interfaces are clearly defined and controlled Subsystems integrate cleanly into a functioning spacecraft Verification activities are planned before hardware arrives at test Engineering decisions consider program execution realities, not just ideal technical solutions The program moves forward with increasing technical maturity and reduced integration risk Compensation and Benefits Your level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the considerations of job-related knowledge and skills, education, and direct experience. Salary is just one component of the total employee package, which also includes company equity at an exciting time of company growth, as well as comprehensive medical, 401(k) retirement plan, a generous PTO policy, employee discounts, and more. About Compliance To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Gravitics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Salary Range $140,000-$170,000 USD
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Senior Systems Engineer Location: Gravitics - Seattle WA, Colorado, (with future travel/support to other company locations as required) Department: Engineering Reports To: Head of Engineering About Gravitics At Gravitics, we're not exploring space - we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture large-scale orbital structures that enable commercial operations while meeting the requirements of defense and government missions. Our systems are built to scale and built to last-bridging commercial innovation with mission-critical performance. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future together. About the Role We are seeking a highly capable Systems Engineer to support technical execution of the commercial spacecraft program from architecture development through qualification, integration, test, launch, and mission operations. This role sits at the center of the program and works directly with Chief Engineers, subsystem leads, Program Management, Manufacturing, Integration & Test, Mission Assurance, and suppliers to ensure the spacecraft functions as an integrated system - not just a collection of subsystems. The ideal candidate is technically broad, execution-focused, comfortable in ambiguity, and able to balance engineering rigor with program realities including schedule, manufacturability, integration flow, and risk. This position will support development of human-rated spacecraft systems and therefore requires strong systems thinking, configuration discipline, verification planning, and cross-functional leadership. Responsibilities Support development and management of spacecraft system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verification approaches for the program Translate mission and program objectives into clear subsystem and vehicle-level technical requirements Develop and maintain system specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), CONOPS, verification matrices, and technical baselines Drive technical integration across: Structures and mechanisms Pressure systems Propulsion systems Avionics and software Thermal systems ECLSS / crew environment considerations Docking and payload interfaces Ground systems and GSE Support program technical reviews including: SRR PDR CDR TRR FRR Coordinate system-level trades balancing: Performance Mass Safety Reliability Manufacturability Testability Schedule and cost impacts Work closely with Manufacturing and Integration & Test teams to ensure designs are producible, inspectable, and verifiable Support development of system verification and validation plans including qualification, acceptance, protoflight, and integrated vehicle testing Participate in anomaly resolution, failure investigations, and risk reduction activities Support hazard analysis, FMEA/FDIR activities, and human-rating related assessments Ensure configuration control and technical baseline integrity throughout the program lifecycle Interface with customers, suppliers, and partner organizations as required Help drive closure of technical issues rather than simply tracking them Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline 5+ years of experience in aerospace systems engineering or integrated vehicle development Experience working on spacecraft, launch vehicle, aviation, defense, or other complex multidisciplinary systems Strong understanding of systems engineering processes including: Requirements development Interface management Verification and validation Configuration management Technical risk management Experience supporting technical reviews and hardware development programs Ability to operate across multiple engineering disciplines and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders Comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment with evolving priorities Preferred Qualifications Experience with human-rated spacecraft or crewed systems Experience supporting pressure vessels, propulsion systems, docking systems, or orbital vehicle integration Familiarity with NASA standards and spaceflight development processes Experience with MBSE tools, requirements management tools, or digital engineering environments Hands-on integration, test, manufacturing, or operations experience Experience supporting qualification and environmental test campaigns Familiarity with spaceflight safety and mission assurance processes What Success Looks Like Technical issues are identified early and driven to closure Vehicle interfaces are clearly defined and controlled Subsystems integrate cleanly into a functioning spacecraft Verification activities are planned before hardware arrives at test Engineering decisions consider program execution realities, not just ideal technical solutions The program moves forward with increasing technical maturity and reduced integration risk Compensation and Benefits Your level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the considerations of job-related knowledge and skills, education, and direct experience. Salary is just one component of the total employee package, which also includes company equity at an exciting time of company growth, as well as comprehensive medical, 401(k) retirement plan, a generous PTO policy, employee discounts, and more. About Compliance To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Gravitics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Salary Range $140,000-$170,000 USD
Job Description Job Description Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that's redefining what's possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job Umbra is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for a complex space mission program spanning space, ground, launch, mission operations, and mission design. This individual will serve as the program's senior technical lead, maintaining the program technical baseline and ensuring alignment across internal engineering teams, program leadership, partners, and the customer. The Lead Systems Engineer will work closely with the Program Manager on a daily basis to manage technical execution, respond to customer needs, maintain program scope, manage technical risks, and develop solutions and offsets as program requirements evolve. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role requiring strong systems engineering fundamentals, operational experience, technical judgment, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through major program milestones and delivery activities. This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office, Reston, VA office, or Santa Barbara, CA office. Key Responsibilities Own and maintain the program technical baseline, ensuring requirements, interfaces, architecture, and technical decisions remain aligned across the program. Provide systems engineering leadership across the: Space Element Ground Element Launch Element Mission Operations Mission Design and Modeling & Simulation Maintain technical alignment among Umbra engineering teams, program management, external partners, and the customer. Partner daily with the Program Manager to address customer requests, maintain program scope, identify and manage technical risks, and develop program offsets and alternative solutions as needed. Support mission design, analysis, and modeling and simulation activities using tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent platforms. Apply knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing mission concepts of operations to system design and mission execution. Lead the development, coordination, and delivery of systems engineering documentation and customer-facing technical presentations. Serve as the Umbra technical lead at key customer-facing reviews, acceptance events, and program milestones, including CDRs, ICD activities, VCRMs, and similar technical reviews. Support flight operations, ground-system sustainment, and flight-software maintenance throughout program execution. Develop and support operations and maintenance training programs for on-site customer personnel. Travel as required to support customer engagements, program reviews, integration activities, training, and acceptance milestones. Requirements Required Qualifications 8+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, spacecraft, or remote sensing programs. Demonstrated knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing mission concepts of operations. Experience with mission modeling and simulation tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or similar platforms. Demonstrated ability to develop and lead systems engineering documentation, technical reviews, and customer presentations. Experience with flight operations, ground systems, and flight-software maintenance or sustainment. Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and drive technical issues to resolution. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers and senior program leadership. Willingness and ability to travel domestic and internationally as required. Desired Qualifications 12+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, spacecraft, or remote sensing programs. Software development, scripting, data analysis, or other relevant coding experience. Previous responsibility for the successful delivery and customer acceptance of flight hardware, flight software, or operational ground systems. Experience leading technical activities through major aerospace program lifecycle milestones such as CDR, integration, verification, validation, acceptance, and operational transition. Experience supporting deployed or on-site customer operations and training. Demonstrated experience balancing technical performance, program scope, schedule, risk, and customer priorities. Benefits Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded) Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded) 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution Stock Options Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed Free lunch daily in office Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment Eligibility Verification In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire. ITAR/EAR Requirements This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Pay Transparency This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience. Compensation Range The Compensation Range for this role is $180,000 - $210,000 DOE.
11/12/2026
Full time
Job Description Job Description Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space-for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra's ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed. About the Team Mission Solutions - The Platforms Mission Solutions builds on Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it's a custom payload, a full-stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission. If you want to work on cutting-edge space technology that's redefining what's possible in space platforms, you belong here at Umbra. About the Job Umbra is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for a complex space mission program spanning space, ground, launch, mission operations, and mission design. This individual will serve as the program's senior technical lead, maintaining the program technical baseline and ensuring alignment across internal engineering teams, program leadership, partners, and the customer. The Lead Systems Engineer will work closely with the Program Manager on a daily basis to manage technical execution, respond to customer needs, maintain program scope, manage technical risks, and develop solutions and offsets as program requirements evolve. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role requiring strong systems engineering fundamentals, operational experience, technical judgment, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through major program milestones and delivery activities. This position is based on-site in either our Arlington, VA office, Reston, VA office, or Santa Barbara, CA office. Key Responsibilities Own and maintain the program technical baseline, ensuring requirements, interfaces, architecture, and technical decisions remain aligned across the program. Provide systems engineering leadership across the: Space Element Ground Element Launch Element Mission Operations Mission Design and Modeling & Simulation Maintain technical alignment among Umbra engineering teams, program management, external partners, and the customer. Partner daily with the Program Manager to address customer requests, maintain program scope, identify and manage technical risks, and develop program offsets and alternative solutions as needed. Support mission design, analysis, and modeling and simulation activities using tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent platforms. Apply knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing mission concepts of operations to system design and mission execution. Lead the development, coordination, and delivery of systems engineering documentation and customer-facing technical presentations. Serve as the Umbra technical lead at key customer-facing reviews, acceptance events, and program milestones, including CDRs, ICD activities, VCRMs, and similar technical reviews. Support flight operations, ground-system sustainment, and flight-software maintenance throughout program execution. Develop and support operations and maintenance training programs for on-site customer personnel. Travel as required to support customer engagements, program reviews, integration activities, training, and acceptance milestones. Requirements Required Qualifications 8+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, spacecraft, or remote sensing programs. Demonstrated knowledge of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and remote sensing mission concepts of operations. Experience with mission modeling and simulation tools such as STK, FreeFlyer, or similar platforms. Demonstrated ability to develop and lead systems engineering documentation, technical reviews, and customer presentations. Experience with flight operations, ground systems, and flight-software maintenance or sustainment. Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and drive technical issues to resolution. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers and senior program leadership. Willingness and ability to travel domestic and internationally as required. Desired Qualifications 12+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, spacecraft, or remote sensing programs. Software development, scripting, data analysis, or other relevant coding experience. Previous responsibility for the successful delivery and customer acceptance of flight hardware, flight software, or operational ground systems. Experience leading technical activities through major aerospace program lifecycle milestones such as CDR, integration, verification, validation, acceptance, and operational transition. Experience supporting deployed or on-site customer operations and training. Demonstrated experience balancing technical performance, program scope, schedule, risk, and customer priorities. Benefits Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded) Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded) 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution Stock Options Free parking in office building or Transit is reimbursed Free lunch daily in office Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment Eligibility Verification In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire. ITAR/EAR Requirements This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Pay Transparency This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role's function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience. Compensation Range The Compensation Range for this role is $180,000 - $210,000 DOE.