Senior Flight Software Engineer I - Secret Clearance
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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.
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.
Senior Flight Software Engineer I - SECRET CLEARANCE
We are currently seeking a Senior Flight Software Engineer I for our team based out of headquarters in Long Beach, CA. In this role, you will play a key role in supporting the development of flight software for our Space Systems programs. You’ll spend your days participating in all aspects of software design and development, from requirements definition through coding and testing. And when we say test, we mean your software will be on orbit within weeks and months, not years. Thanks to having our own rockets and launch sites, we have frequent opportunities to test and operate our software on orbit.
To be successful in this role, you must want to see your software make a big impact on the way we explore space and use it as a platform for discovery and innovation. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!
What You’ll Get To Do
Develop application software to run within a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) and/or embedded Linux
Develop hardware drivers to interface to Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Star Trackers, Reaction Wheels and other spacecraft sensors and actuators
Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests to 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 in developing, documenting and validating requirements
Participate in review of source code changes and ensure all changes meet company coding standards
Participate in design reviews such as a PDR and CR
Assist with on-orbit (and interplanetary) flight operations
Qualifications You’ll Bring As Senior Flight Software Engineer I
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or equivalent technical degree
Active Secret Clearance, with ability to obtain TS/SCI
5+ years of demonstrated applicable experience in embedded software development
Proficiency in C and C++ languages
Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or with Embedded Linux
These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have
Advanced Degree
Experience developing software and drivers with CAN/CAN-FD and/or UDP/TCP within an embedded system
Experience developing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments, such as satellites or autonomous vehicles
What To Expect
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.