Chief Engineer, Space Payloads

Job overview

The Chief Engineer, Space Payloads role is onsite in Tucson, AZ. Compensation is not specified. Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds spacecraft, precision payloads, and related components for space missions, including national security and defense initiatives. The role provides definitive technical leadership for the design, development, and integration of next-generation space-based electro-optical sensor systems. It guides multidisciplinary engineering work from requirements through integration, testing, and sustainment, helping deliver mission capabilities to customers.

What you'll do

• Own the technical baseline across systems engineering, hardware, software, and test
• chair program gate reviews from SRR through TRR
• direct payload, ground-system, and mission-operations architecture
• oversee engineering performance, cost, schedule, and subcontractors
• advance engineering standards, MBSE, and digital engineering
• manage program risks and opportunities
• serve as technical interface with customers, subcontractors, and leadership
• contribute to proposals and reviews
• mentor engineers across disciplines.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

chief engineer

space payloads

optical systems

electro-optical sensors

space systems

systems engineering

defense programs

secret/top secret clearance

sci eligibility

tucson az

rocket lab

travel up to 25%

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Why this role

Requires an active Secret or Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; travel willingness up to 25%; work in classified environments 25% or more of the time.

About the employer

Rocket Lab Corporation is hiring for this role. Industry: Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing. Sector: 33.