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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Software Systems Engineer II - **Company:** Rocket Lab - **Location:** Tucson, AZ, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, JIRA, Communications Protocols, Computer Engineering, Software Design Documents, Firmware, Formal Verification, MATLAB, Systems Development Life Cycle, Software Tools, Requirements Management, Requirements Traceability, Simulink, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Software Systems, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Architecture, System Software, Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, Visual Systems, Jama (Software), DOORS (Software), Software Verification - **Published:** September 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/88450325/1 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline) * Active Clearance * 8+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry; with 3+ years directly supporting development projects and 2+ years in project or team leadership * CAM and/or IPTL experience * A strong knowledge of how to interpret organizational, software, and hardware technical documents * Demonstrable experience in systems engineering, with a strong focus on developing, testing, and integrating with space or airborne instruments * Experience with requirements management, workflow, and modeling tools such as JAMA, DOORS, JIRA, or Cameo * Experience supporting development programs * Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and practices * U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: * Active TS/SCI clearance * Master's or PhD in engineering (software or computer engineering) * EO/IR payload integration experience * Proficiency in system modeling and analysis tools such as Cameo, MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent * Experience with the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) from requirements development through systems operations and maintenance * Knowledge of software interfaces and communications protocols * Hands-on expertise leading troubleshooting and resolution of system-level issues * Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision in complex projects * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex implementation processes to other organization members 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. 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. ## Description As aSenior Software Systems Engineer II based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to design, develop, and test space-based electro-optical sensors. 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 software and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions., * Support the design, integration, and development of software for space-based optical instruments, subsystems, and payloads for airborne and space platforms * Understand and interpret overall system architecture, deriving and allocating software and firmware requirements to ensure consistency across interfaces and subsystems * Understand the software/firmware development pipeline and SW/FW development process, from requirements through build, integration, test, and release * Develop and maintain: * Technical budgets for vehicle performance * Software System requirements and verification techniques * Simulations and analysis across vehicle functions * Test methods and data analysis Provide technical oversight of system software architecture, interfaces, mission assurance, and compliance Assist with program and product management Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents Support the development and testing of space payloads to be integrated on spacecraft platforms Plan and define software verification and validation (V&V) activities, including verification methods, test strategy, and success criteria to confirm alignment with program and customer requirements Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks across the software and firmware development lifecycle Execute software verification test campaigns on the flatsat, development unit, or flight unit, including test setup, dry runs, and formal verification runs Verify the correct software build and configuration are under test, confirming the as-tested configuration matches the intended verification Support authoring, derivation, and verification of software and firmware requirements, and maintain requirements traceability throughout the development lifecycle, addressing conflicts or gaps Participate in technical interchange meetings (TIMs) and represent the organization in project discussions with internal stakeholders and external partners Mentor other engineers on systems engineering, requirements, and verification and validation (V&V) methodologies Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [What I learned as a developer from accidents in space](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/642-what-i-learned-as-a-developer-from-accidents-in-space) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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