Senior Flight Software Engineer II

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer II for its Space Systems team, based at company headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role supports development of flight software for Space Systems programs and spans the software lifecycle, from requirements definition through design, coding, testing, and flight operations. The software is intended to be tested and operated on orbit within weeks or months, enabled by Rocket Lab’s rockets and launch sites. The engineer will develop application software for real-time operating systems and/or embedded Linux, as well as drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators. The role includes creating and maintaining unit tests in a continuous integration framework, verifying software and hardware together, collaborating across software, hardware, and systems teams, and contributing to reviews and requirements documentation. The position also assists with on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations. The position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements, and candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Rocket Lab offers company stock as part of total compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or an equivalent technical degree.
At least 8 years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development.
Proficiency in C and C++.
Experience with 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 embedded software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP.
Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles.

Responsibilities

Develop application software for a real-time operating system (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux.
Develop hardware drivers to interface with inertial measurement units (IMUs), star trackers, reaction wheels, and other spacecraft sensors and actuators.
Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests that run 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 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.