Director, Software Engineering (MES)

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

21h

About The Position

The Director, Software Engineering (MES) is responsible for architecting, deploying, and supporting a world-class software and infrastructure backbone that powers how Rocket Lab designs and manufactures products across all global facilities. This includes ownership of Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and agent control plane. This role leads a high-performing software engineering team, driving excellence in delivery, efficiency, and innovation. You will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration of software systems across the manufacturing ecosystem while advancing continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing software engineering
• 8+ years of leadership experience managing teams and complex software programs
• Proven ability to solve large-scale, complex problems with minimal oversight
• Experience operating in fast-paced, high-stakes environments with competing priorities
• Deep expertise in factory/embedded manufacturing software systems
• Technical Expertise:
• Programming & Infrastructure: Rust, Go, C/C++, Kubernetes (K8s, EKS, K3s), Docker
• Distributed Systems & Messaging: Kafka, NATS, Linkerd, Traefik
• Databases: Redis, PostgreSQL, MSSQL, MySQL, Scylla, Cassandra, CockroachDB, FoundationDB, SQLite
• Tooling & Frontend: ArgoCD, Tauri, TypeScript, React
• Networking & Protocols: TCP/IP, gRPC, Protobuf, FlatBuffers
• Industrial protocols: EtherCAT, Profinet, CANBUS
• APIs & Security: RESTful services, mTLS, TLS
• Demonstrated success delivering mission-critical software for factory automation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally

Nice To Haves

• Inventor or author of patents related to factory or manufacturing software systems

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Own the architecture and development of MES software solutions across Rocket Lab
• Define, build, and maintain a Software Center of Excellence
• Establish and execute a strategic MES roadmap focused on scalability, security, operational efficiency, and mission reliability
• Identify and implement best practices and emerging technologies to drive operational excellence
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop and evolve company strategy
• Track performance against financial targets, milestones, and external benchmarks
• Provide strategic insights through regular operational and performance reviews
• Guide business teams to ensure disciplined planning and execution of key initiatives
• Foster alignment and collaboration across functions, disciplines, and global operations
• Operational Management
• Oversee the design, planning, and optimization of manufacturing software systems
• Ensure scalability, reliability, and efficiency of MES operations
• Lead deployment and support of MES platforms across all Rocket Lab sites
• Project Management
• Direct large-scale engineering programs from concept through completion
• Ensure delivery on time and within budget
• Partner with the Project Management Office to prioritize and execute initiatives
• Financial Management
• Develop and manage annual budgets aligned with strategic objectives
• Define and report key financial and operational metrics
• Optimize global resource allocation for efficient delivery of applications and services
• Manage manufacturing engineering budgets, including cost optimization and process improvements
• Health & Safety
• Ensure adherence to health and safety policies and procedures
• Promote proper PPE usage and safe work practices
• Ensure timely reporting of incidents and near misses
• Implement preventative safety measures across operations
• Collaboration & Communication
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Engineering, and Production teams
• Enable seamless integration of new products and processes into manufacturing systems
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including executive leadership
• Team Development
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing software engineering team
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Domestic and international travel as required
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees