Senior Flight Software Engineer I

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer I for its Space Systems team, based at company headquarters in Long Beach, California. The engineer will support development of flight software for Space Systems programs, contributing across the software lifecycle from requirements definition through design, coding, and testing. The role offers opportunities to test and operate software on orbit, supported by Rocket Lab’s rockets and launch sites, and may include assisting with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or an equivalent technical degree.
At least 5 years of applicable experience in embedded software development.
Proficiency in C and C++.
Experience with an RTOS or embedded Linux.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Nice To Haves

Active Secret or TS/SCI security clearance.
Advanced degree.
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, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles.

Responsibilities

Develop application software for real-time operating systems (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux.
Develop hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators, including inertial measurement units, 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 engineers 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 the total compensation package.
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.