Senior Software Engineer I - Data Engineering
About The Position
Rocket Lab’s Data Engineering team builds foundational infrastructure, platforms, and tools for long-term storage, management, discovery, and access to operational data across the company. Its platforms support data processing and automation at scale, while its applications and services provide visualization and reporting capabilities used by engineers throughout the product lifecycle. The Senior Software Engineer will be based onsite at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, California. The role designs, builds, and maintains core data platforms and services that help engineers access and work with operational data. The engineer collaborates with development, testing, production, and mission operations teams to create robust, scalable solutions, including data pipelines, storage systems, APIs, and processing platforms. This work supports hardware validation, mission execution, and performance improvements across Rocket Lab’s business. The position requires strong backend software engineering experience, a solid understanding of data pipelines, and an interest in building scalable, reliable systems. The role may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Requirements
- A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in software engineering or a related discipline.
- Expertise in Python development and a deep understanding of backend architecture.
- Experience deploying services at scale, with familiarity with CI/CD and containerization.
- Strong Git skills for version control and collaboration.
- Experience with Kubernetes or similar orchestration tools for managing containerized applications.
- Hands-on experience designing and developing REST APIs.
- Familiarity with issue-tracking tools such as Jira or Redmine.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency with common data analysis libraries and tools, such as Pandas and NumPy, and experience building ETL pipelines.
- Experience in data visualization, data science, and numerical analysis techniques.
- Familiarity with agile development practices.
- Database knowledge, including SQL.
- Experience with web and user-interface development.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and deploy tools and services that support operational data access across Rocket Lab.
- Collaborate with engineering teams across multiple verticals and time zones to understand data requirements and deliver scalable infrastructure solutions.
- Develop and maintain applications, services, and platforms that can scale with business needs.
- Build automation and tools that enable engineers to discover, access, and work with operational data efficiently.
- Own services end-to-end, from architecture and development through deployment and production support.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
