Job Description
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 access 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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
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.
SENIOR FLIGHT SOFTWARE ENGINEER I - TS/SCI
As a Senior Flight Software Engineer I - TS/SCI based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will have the opportunity to play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You'll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit. To be successful in this role, you must want to see your software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Add new software components and maintain MAX flight software
Design new software components and documenting design in Confluence (or equivalent), including UML diagrams (class, state, activity, sequence, etc.)
Develop software to run on bare metal, within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS), and/or embedded Linux
Develop software components that work with hardware drivers that interface to Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
Understand interface control documents (ICDs) and coding the software component to work with the hardware's protocol
Develop and maintain comprehensive unit and integration tests to run within a Continuous Integration (CI) framework
Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality including writing python scripts
Collaborate with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers in developing, documenting and validating requirements
Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet company coding standards
Participate in design reviews such as a PDR and CDR including presenting to the customer
Support full lifecycle of the spacecraft from design, development, integration, test, deployment, and on-orbit patching and assist with on-orbit (and interplanetary!) flight operations
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
5+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
Proficiency in C and C++ languages
Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
Active TS/SCI security clearance
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Advanced Degree
Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP within an embedded system
Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
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, ****** 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] 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.
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 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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
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.
SENIOR FLIGHT SOFTWARE ENGINEER I - TS/SCI
As a Senior Flight Software Engineer I - TS/SCI based at Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, you will have the opportunity to play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You'll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit. To be successful in this role, you must want to see your software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Add new software components and maintain MAX flight software
Design new software components and documenting design in Confluence (or equivalent), including UML diagrams (class, state, activity, sequence, etc.)
Develop software to run on bare metal, within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS), and/or embedded Linux
Develop software components that work with hardware drivers that interface to Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
Understand interface control documents (ICDs) and coding the software component to work with the hardware's protocol
Develop and maintain comprehensive unit and integration tests to run within a Continuous Integration (CI) framework
Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality including writing python scripts
Collaborate with systems engineers and embedded systems engineers in developing, documenting and validating requirements
Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet company coding standards
Participate in design reviews such as a PDR and CDR including presenting to the customer
Support full lifecycle of the spacecraft from design, development, integration, test, deployment, and on-orbit patching and assist with on-orbit (and interplanetary!) flight operations
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
5+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
Proficiency in C and C++ languages
Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
Active TS/SCI security clearance
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Advanced Degree
Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP within an embedded system
Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
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, ****** 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] 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.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior flight software Engineer l - TS/ SCI position is now open for candidates interested in the Software Developer Jobs sector. This role in Auckland offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Software Developer Jobs is a plus.
