Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$135k–$200k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Systems Engineering, Technical Budgeting, Requirements Definition, Test Planning, Spacecraft Mission Development
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$170k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Systems Engineering, Technical Budgeting, Requirements Definition, Test Planning, Spacecraft Mission Development
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$170k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: RF Engineering, System Design, Link Budget Analysis, Linearity, RF Communications
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$145k–$210k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: RF Engineering, Link Budget Analysis, System Design, System Testing, RF Communications
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$145k–$210k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: RF Engineering, Link Budget Analysis, System Design, System Testing, RF Communications
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$170k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: RF Engineering, Link Budget Analysis, System Design, System Testing, RF Communications
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$32/hr–$49/hr
At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s ju…
Skills: Heavy Equipment Operation, Electrical Troubleshooting, Mechanical Troubleshooting, Plumbing Systems, Site Maintenance
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$170k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: RF Design, System Design, Board Design, Circuit Design, HFSS
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$145k–$210k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: RF Design, System Design, Board Design, Circuit Design, PCB Layout
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$116k–$164k/yr
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America an…
Skills: Full-cycle Recruiting, Technical Sourcing, Stakeholder Management, Candidate Experience, Pipeline Management
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$145k–$210k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: RF Phased Array Design, Link Budget Analysis, Antenna Modeling, RF Simulation, System Architecture
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$170k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: RF Phased Array Design, Antenna Modeling, Link Budget Analysis, RF Communications, System Architecture
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
Meridian is building a fundamentally new model for sovereign space infrastructure—delivering complete, owned Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations that provide governments and commercial operators with ful…
Skills: Electromagnetic Theory, Microwave Circuits, Electronically Scanned Antennas, HFSS, CST
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$82k–$95k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Additive Manufacturing, Directed Energy Deposition, DfAM, Siemens NX, SolidWorks
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$145k–$210k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Electrical Harness Design, Wiring Diagram Development, Interface Definition, Capital Essentials, NX
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$170k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Electrical Harness Design, Wiring Diagram Development, Interface Definition, Capital Essentials, NX
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$145k–$210k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Altium Designer, Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Analog Electronics Design, Circuit Analysis
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$170k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Electrical hardware design, Schematic capture, PCB layout, Altium Designer, Circuit analysis
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$145k–$210k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Altium Designer, PCB Layout, Schematic Capture, Analog Electronics Design, SPICE
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$170k/yr
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening acce…
Skills: Electrical Hardware Design, Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Altium Designer, Circuit Analysis
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Lead the technical development of spacecraft missions by managing technical budgets, system requirements, and verification techniques. Responsible for developing simulations, test methods, and design documents such as interface specifications and CONOPS.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline and at least 8 years of aerospace industry experience. U.S. citizenship is mandatory due to program requirements.
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
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.
We are currently seeking a Senior Systems Engineer II for our systems engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division, and lead cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Systems engineers are responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process. They also work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.
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.
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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
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 [email protected].This 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.
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
Based on 548 listings with disclosed salaries, most engineering jobs in Long Beach, CA pay between $75k–$204k per year. Individual offers vary with seniority, company size, and specialization.
There are currently 591 open engineering positions in Long Beach, CA listed on Clera. New openings are added daily as companies post roles.
Companies currently hiring include Relativity Space, Rocket Lab, Vast, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, among others. Browse the listings above to see every active employer.
Yes — 116 of the 591 open engineering positions offer remote or hybrid work (10 remote, 106 hybrid).
Each listing links directly to the employer's application page. Apply early — fresh listings get the most recruiter attention in the first two weeks.
