Senior Ground Software Engineer I/II
About The Position
As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I/II based at Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, CO, you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across our Space Systems missions. You will help define and evolve the end-to-end architecture of ground systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and mission success for both internal teams and external customers. This role is highly visible, with deliverables that support internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. (Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Ground Software Engineer I or Senior Ground Software Engineer II level)
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 5+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development
- Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale
- Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 8+ years of relevant work experience in professional software development
- Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale
- Strong systems-level thinking, with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance, security, and maintainability
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Nice To Haves
- Full-stack development experience, including:
- Backend – Python, Golang, and/or Rust
- Frontend – Typescript and Angular
- Database – InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent
- Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like Playwright
- Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground/mission operations
- Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent)
- Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems
- Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end system design and delivery with engineering teams
- Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented software designs
- Familiarity with database architecture, schema design, and optimization
- Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration
- Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (OAuth, etc.)
- Knowledge of CCSDS standards, including Space Packet Protocol, COP-1, and CFD
Responsibilities
- Own major parts of architecture and evolve Rocket Lab’s web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations.
- Partner with flight software developers, mission operations personnel, and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable ground system designs.
- Deploy, configure, and optimize the Rocket Lab Ground Data System for diverse mission profiles.
- Establish robust monitoring, alerting, and reliability frameworks to proactively detect and mitigate issues.
- Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to ensure mission resilience, system integration, and long-term maintainability.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on ground software strategy, risk areas, and emerging technologies.
Benefits
- Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role.
- You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program.
- Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
