Senior Spacecraft Operations Ground Software Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA’s Artemis program, launching a satellite into a unique Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the moon. Then we became just the second company to successfully complete reentry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time. Soon we’re going to Mars! Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science mission with the University of California Berkeley and NASA.

We manufacture single bespoke satellites for highly complex missions, through to entire constellations. And we’re unique in offering vertical integration with our in-house satellite components too. This means we can move fast, design and build components exactly the way we want them, and constantly innovate.

Our Space Systems team does the impossible, taking on the most challenging and rewarding missions - and we’re only just getting started! This role offers a rare opportunity to be part of our growing team. You will collaborate with exceptionally talented and dedicated people, pushing boundaries, and reshaping what is possible – together.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Operations Ground Software Engineer to support the development of spacecraft platforms, with an emphasis on operations software. In this role, you will be a full-stack developer working on a range of ground software for spacecraft mission operations. These will include LEO, re-entry, interplanetary, and rendezvous and proximity operations missions – each with new and unique challenges. As part of this role, you will work in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment to:

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Tertiary qualification in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or similar.
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience within a relevant discipline
• Python for a sync backend development
• Typescript for frontend development using a modern framework (Angular, React, Vue)
• RDBMS design, language (SQL) and best practices
• Proponent of unit, integration and e2e testing
• Containerization for development and production, eg. Docker, Kubernetes as well as any cloud provider experience
• Agile scrum methodologies and ability to lead related meetings
• Proficient in Linux for development and production
• Team player with a positive attitude

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with distributed architectures and 3rd party integrations, eg. metrics, message brokers
• Experience with time series databases (eg. Influx)
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines
• Network programming (TCP, WebSockets)
• Experience in the aerospace industry and satellite operations, including interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents
• Experience creating clean REST APIs

ROCKET LAB EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:  

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology 
• An employee stock purchase program 
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career 
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks 
• Rocket Lab merchandise - T-shirts, mission patches etc. 
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross 
• Additional parental leave entitlements 
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year 

If the above sounds like you apply now! 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.