Principal Flight Software Engineer

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Principal Flight Software Engineer for its Space Systems team, based at the company’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role supports development of flight software for Space Systems programs and spans the full software lifecycle, from requirements definition through design, coding, testing, and flight operations. The software is intended to be tested and operated on orbit, supported by Rocket Lab’s rockets and launch sites. The engineer develops application software for real-time operating systems and/or embedded Linux, as well as hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators. The role involves working with software, hardware-in-the-loop, systems, and embedded systems engineers; maintaining comprehensive automated tests; reviewing code and participating in design reviews; and assisting with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations. The position requires substantial embedded software experience, proficiency in Rust, C++, and C, and experience leading junior developers and collaborating across engineering disciplines and with customers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as software, computer, electrical, aerospace, or another technical engineering discipline.
12 or more years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development.
Proficiency in Rust, C++, and C.
Experience with a real-time operating system (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, mechanical, 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 to interface with spacecraft sensors and actuators, including IMUs, star trackers, and reaction wheels.
Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests within a continuous integration framework.
Collaborate 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.
Lead junior software developers and collaborate with other engineering disciplines and customers.

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 company HSA 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.