Head of Flight Software

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

19d • Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Head of Flight Software out of our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, to lead our flight software engineering teams in Long Beach, CA and Littleton, CO. The Head of Flight Software will shape the flight software product and ecosystem that supports Rocket Lab’s space systems and missions. As a senior technical leader, you will drive strategic direction, architecture, product, and execution of flight software systems and operations while managing a high-performing team of engineers in CA and CO. You will collaborate cross-functionally with executive leadership, chief engineers, program management, related disciplines, and mission teams to ensure seamless integration of flight software.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in software engineering, computer science, aerospace, electrical, or related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in aerospace software engineering, including embedded systems.
• 8+ years of leadership experience, managing teams and complex software programs.
• Ability to identify, develop plans, and solve complex large-scale problems with little oversight
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with competing priorities.
• Expertise in embedded flight software development
• Expertise in C+ and Python
• Track record of successfully delivering mission-critical software for satellite and spacecraft operations.

Nice To Haves

• PhD or advanced degree in a related technical field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Deep understanding of spacecraft subsystems, including ADCS, EPS, space-ground communications, and C&DH.
• Experience with fault detection, isolation, and response
• Proficiency in STK, GMAT, or similar space mission analysis tools.
• Experience with requirements management tools (JAMA, DOORS).
• Experience with MBSE and process automation.
• Experience with AI/ML.
• Experience with operations procedure development, management, and execution.
• Hands-on experience with satellite operations, subsystem testing, and HITL validation.

Responsibilities

• Own the team responsible for architecture and development of flight software solutions across Rocket Lab Space Systems.
• Define, build, and maintain a flight software center of excellence
• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for flight software; ensuring scalability, security, and mission reliability.
• Establish and maintain technical budgets, system requirements, and verification techniques to optimize flight software integration.
• Drive efficiency and quality of work product from multi-disciplinary teams to develop industry leading flight software, simulation software, and test software.
• Partner with program and product management to align software capabilities with mission objectives, company goals, and customer needs.
• Drive innovation in flight software, ensuring adoption of modern technologies, automation, and testing practices.
• Drive key documentation, including interface specifications, CONOPS, and design frameworks.
• Conduct staffing resource analysis and allocation to build and maintain a properly sized organization with skill sets to satisfy program and market demands
• Participate in proposals and new business capture

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: Mid Level