Senior Ground Software Engineer I - Secret Clearance

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER I - SECRET CLEARANCE

As a Senior Ground Software Engineer I based at Rocket Lab’s site in Long Beach, CA, you will be responsible for developing cutting-edge spacecraft ground software for our various Space Systems missions, and for providing ground system development and support for internal and external customers. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and evolve web-based software architecture for spacecraft operations
• Work closely with flight software developers, operations personnel, and systems engineers to understand requirements and functional needs
• Deploy and configure the Rocket Lab Ground Data System
• Establish monitoring and alerting to detect system degradation and outages
• Identify ground systems issues and provide technical insight for resolution

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of relevant work experience developing software in Python
• 2-5 years of experience in cloud engineering
• Experience in designing, deploying and managing scalable cloud solutions
• Experience architecting web-based software applications
• Active Secret Clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Full-stack software development experience, including: ○ Backend – Python and/or Golang ○ Frontend – Typescript and/or Javascript (Angular or React) ○ Database – InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, or equivalent • Experience with Python web experience (FastAPI or equivalent) • Experience with micro-service architectures • Experience leading complete system development efforts with a team • Ability to write clear, well-tested, and well-documented software • Experience supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, and/or launch vehicle mission operations • Familiarity with database design and implementation • Experience using Git or other version control systems • Experience with SQL • Experience with ticketing systems like Jira, etc. • Experience with Kubernetes orchestration • Experience in full-stack and/or web development (NodeJS, Angular, TypeScript, or equivalent) • Experience in the aerospace industry Experience in CCSDS recommended standards, including Space Packet Protocol and COP-1 • CompTIA Security + (Highly recommended for foundational security knowledge) • Experience in implementing disaster recovery plans and backup solutions in the cloud • Ability to optimize cloud costs and manage budgets effectively

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$132,000 — $198,000 USD

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