Software Engineer I/II - Spacecraft Operations

About Rocket Lab and the Role

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise providing launch services, satellite and spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and components. Their rockets and satellites support a variety of critical missions including scientific research, Earth observation, climate change mitigation, national security, and technology demonstration projects. The company’s Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, having deployed over 230 satellites, and is developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle.

The Space Systems division at Rocket Lab focuses on designing and constructing satellites and their components, serving commercial, government, and defense projects, including collaborations with NASA for lunar and Martian missions and contributions to the James Webb Space Telescope.

Key Responsibilities

• Create essential ground operations software for spacecraft command, control, data handling, automation, and visualization missions spanning low Earth orbit (LEO), re-entry, interplanetary, and proximity operations.
• Develop end-to-end web applications involving database architecture, backend services, frontend user interfaces, and inter-machine communication relevant to spacecraft operations.
• Provide technical support during live spacecraft missions, including on-call availability during critical mission phases and participation in ground test campaigns.
• Design and evolve robust and adaptable ground software architectures to meet diverse and intricate mission needs.
• Drive technical leadership by facilitating agile scrum processes, conducting code reviews, approving system designs, and mentoring less experienced engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field accompanied by a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Expertise in full-stack development with strong skills in Python for asynchronous backend development and TypeScript frameworks such as Angular, React, or Vue for frontend solutions.
• Familiarity with relational database design and SQL, container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, cloud platforms, and proficient use of Linux in both development and production environments.
• Strong emphasis on software quality including experience with unit, integration, and end-to-end testing methodologies to ensure comprehensive test coverage.
• Proven collaborative leadership abilities within Agile scrum teams, capable of leading technical discussions and fostering cross-functional teamwork with a positive attitude.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Background in distributed systems involving integrations with metrics tools, message brokers, and time series databases such as InfluxDB.
• DevOps experience including CI/CD pipeline understanding and development of RESTful APIs for system communication.
• Network programming knowledge covering TCP, WebSockets, and real-time communication protocols.
• Aerospace industry experience with familiarity in satellite operations, interface specifications, concept of operations (CONOPS), and mission design documentation.
• Advanced capabilities in designing highly available, fault-tolerant software systems crucial for space mission operations.

Work Environment and Values

Working at Rocket Lab involves a culture of intense innovation, dedication, and collaboration aimed at pushing boundaries in space exploration. The team values mutual support, humility, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset under pressure and tight deadlines.

Important Compliance Information

Applicants for roles in U.S. offices must comply with U.S. export regulations such as ITAR, requiring U.S. citizenship or appropriate status and authorizations. For New Zealand roles, eligibility requires citizenship or nationality from specified countries (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU, NATO) and pass security background verifications due to export regulations. Dual citizenship restrictions may apply. Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer prohibiting discrimination on numerous grounds and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities.