Principal Flight Software Engineer
About The Position
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company developing rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. Its Space Systems team builds spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security and defense. Based at Rocket Lab’s Littleton, Colorado site, the Principal Flight Software Engineer supports flight software development for Space Systems programs. The role covers software design and development from requirements definition through coding and testing. The software may be operated on orbit within weeks or months, with opportunities to test and operate it using Rocket Lab’s rockets and launch sites.
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 experience in embedded software development.
- Proficiency in Rust, C++, and C.
- Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or embedded Linux.
- Experience leading junior software developers, collaborating across 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 for a continuous integration framework.
- Collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify and validate combined software and hardware functionality.
- Work 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 or cash incentives may be available.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with discounted stock.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan options.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Paid parental leave.
- Other discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
