Principal Flight Software Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

2d•$173,000 - $259,000•Onsite

About The Position

Based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California, the Principal Flight Software Engineer supports the development of flight software for Space Systems programs. The role spans software design and development from requirements definition through coding and testing, with opportunities to operate software on orbit. The position works with spacecraft systems and embedded hardware, and contributes to missions across space exploration and other applications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as software, computer, electrical, or aerospace engineering, or another technical engineering discipline.
12 or more years of applicable embedded software development experience.
Proficiency in Rust, C++, and C.
Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux.
Experience leading junior software developers, collaborating with other engineering disciplines, and interacting with customers.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in engineering, such as software, computer, electrical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering, or another technical engineering discipline.
Experience developing software and drivers using CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP within an embedded system.
Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments.

Responsibilities

Develop application software for real-time operating systems (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux.
Develop hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators, including IMUs, star trackers, and reaction wheels.
Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests within a continuous integration framework.
Work with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality.
Collaborate with systems and embedded systems engineers to develop, document, and validate requirements.
Review source code changes and ensure they meet company coding standards.
Participate in design reviews, including PDR and CDR.
Assist with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation.
Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution.
Dental and vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability and life insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers where available.
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.