Senior/Principal Controls Systems Engineer - Secret Clearance
On-site · Tucson, Arizona, United States
Job Summary
Senior/Principal Controls Systems Engineer for Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division in Tucson, AZ. Lead design, development, and testing of space-based electro-optical sensors and controls, with emphasis on electrical architecture, requirements definition, interface control, and verification across hardware, software, and firmware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system-level alignment with mission objectives, perform architecture trades, and guide verification activities across space payloads and spacecraft platforms. Role includes coordinating with internal teams and external partners, contributing to architecture trades, and mentoring engineers. Requires active clearance and a strong background in aerospace/aeronautics electronics, sensors, and control systems; readiness to travel and support off-site work as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, systems, or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
- Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
- 5+ years of engineering experience, including 3+ years supporting development programs and 2+ years in technical leadership, CAM, IPTL, or equivalent role
- Demonstrated systems engineering experience with emphasis on electrical architecture, subsystem integration, and controls focused development
- Strong electrical engineering background supporting complex aerospace, payload, avionics, or instrument systems
- Experience developing system requirements, interface definitions, and verification approaches for complex systems
- Strong background in electrical interfaces, control functions, avionics integration, or subsystem architecture
- Experience with requirements management and modeling tools such as JAMA, DOORS, Cameo, or similar tools
- Experience with hardware, software, and firmware development lifecycles as they relate to system architecture, controls implementation
- Familiarity with command and telemetry interfaces, power architectures, signal interfaces, timing, synchronization, and control logic
- Experience supporting integration and test, including troubleshooting electrical or controls-related issues at the subsystem or system level
- Strong ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical, interface, and system technical documentation
- Familiarity with aerospace development standards, environmental testing, and mission assurance practices
- Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
- 12+ years for Principal or 8+ years for Senior depending on level, with progressive leadership experience
- CAM and/or IPTL experience
- Leadership roles in project, team, or technical leadership
Additional Requirements
- U.S. citizenship or eligible for ITAR due to U.S. government space technology export regulations
- Must be able to obtain/maintain necessary clearances
- Regular travel as needed
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