Senior Systems Engineer II at rocketlab

Compensation

$132,000 – $198,000/yr

Location: Pasadena, California
Type: Full-time
Level: senior
Posted: Sep 2, 2026

Description

Rocket Lab Robotics is hiring a Senior Systems Engineer II to serve as a project technical lead or cognizant engineer for complex aerospace robotic systems. The role owns system architecture, requirements, interfaces, hardware-software integration, verification, and delivery, while leading cross-functional technical execution, integration testing, formal reviews, and mentorship. Candidates need a bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline, at least 8 years of experience developing or integrating robotic, mechatronic, or complex electromechanical systems, and U.S. citizenship for U.S. offices. The position offers a base salary of $132,000–$198,000 USD plus equity and benefits.

Required Skills

Systems engineering
Requirements management
ROS/ROS2
Robotics
Hardware-software integration
Verification
Trade studies
Risk management

Additional Information

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, robotics, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline
Required Previous Experiences: 8+ years of engineering experience developing, integrating, or delivering robotic, mechatronic, or complex electromechanical systems
Experience serving as a technical lead, cognizant engineer, project engineer, or system owner
Experience across the full development lifecycle, including requirements development, integration, and verification/validation
Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting robotics hardware and software
Experience coordinating software, controls, electrical, and mechanical teams to deliver integrated robotic systems
Experience interfacing directly with customers and leading or supporting formal technical reviews
Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Python, C++, and/or MATLAB in a robotics, controls, integration, simulation, or test environment
Experience with robotic systems and their integration into aerospace or space applications
Experience with embedded software, real-time controls, communications, fault management, or hardware-in-the-loop testing
Experience developing ICDs, CONOPS, verification plans, and system architecture documentation
Experience in aerospace, spaceflight, defense, or another high-reliability development environment