Senior Software Engineer I/II - Simulation Engineering

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 scientific exploration, Earth observation, missions to combat climate change, national security, and technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Software Engineer I/II – Simulation Engineering to join our team in Littleton, CO. In this role, you will architect large-scale simulation environments and drive high-level data analysis to solve complex aerospace challenges. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design distributed simulation campaigns, extract actionable insights from massive datasets, and support critical mission decision-making. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in big data analysis, distributed computational modeling, and software systems architecture.

• Architect and deploy large-scale, distributed simulation environments for complex aerospace systems, including multi-vehicle and constellation-level modeling.
• Develop robust data pipelines to process, analyze, and visualize massive datasets generated by high-fidelity simulations.
• Derive actionable engineering and mission-level insights through advanced statistical analysis and data modeling of simulation outputs.
• Optimize simulation infrastructure for high-performance computing (HPC) and distributed cluster environments to ensure scalability.
• Collaborate with domain experts to define campaign-level requirements and translate mission objectives into scalable simulation architectures.
• Lead the integration of complex simulation ecosystems, ensuring synchronization across multiple subsystems and analytical tools.

This position can be hired at the Senior Software Engineer I or Senior Software Engineer II level.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience focusing on large-scale simulation engineering, data analysis, or distributed computational modeling.
• Proficiency in languages used for heavy data analysis and simulation infrastructure (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience architecting and analyzing large-scale Monte Carlo campaigns.
• Experience processing and analyzing large datasets using modern data analytics libraries or frameworks.
• Experience modeling complex, multi-component physical systems (e.g., spacecraft constellations, multi-vehicle architectures, or robotics).
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.

Qualifications

These qualifications would be nice to have:

• Active Secret clearance, Top Secret clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Strong familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), parallel processing, and distributed compute clusters (e.g., Docker Swarm, Kubernetes).
• Experience in multi-vehicle or synchronized distributed simulation environments.
• Advanced understanding of statistical analysis, data visualization techniques, and optimization algorithms.
• Experience with machine learning or AI-driven methodologies applied to large dataset analysis or simulation generation.
• Familiarity with cloud-based simulation platforms or large-scale data lakes.
• Proven ability to tackle complex architectural challenges and deliver innovative data solutions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan options.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Company stock or cash incentives.
• Discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Other discounts and perks.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CO Only): $115,000 USD - $165,000 USD. Final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role.