Software Engineer II - MES

About The Role

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.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER II - MES

Based at Rocket Lab's Engine Development Center in Long Beach, CA, the Software Engineer II – MES will collaborate with teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full-stack software solutions that are used to improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on the in-house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform, as well as tools that integrate with the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and related products.

• Work on applications that utilize relational databases and REST APIs within service-oriented architecture, ensuring seamless upstream and downstream interactions
• Design and develop database schemas, back-end and front-end web applications, user interfaces, and machine-to-machine services
• Write software and unit tests, maintain documentation, and review and approve source code merge requests
• Apply engineering concepts and theories to solve challenges, execute provided solutions, and navigate daily tasks within your technical system
• Create, review, and approve technical documents relevant to your expertise, while supporting peers and cross-functional teams
• Independently plan and execute tasks, ensuring priorities are understood
• Collaborate with other teams and support tasks or projects as needed, ensuring alignment with leadership and team goals
• Lead demonstrations of software products, deliver training, and deploy and support operational software systems

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or other technical discipline
• 2+ years of professional software development experience
• Proficiency in statically typed programming languages (e.g., C#)
• Experience with modern TypeScript frameworks (e.g., Angular)
• Strong knowledge of relational databases and REST APIs

Would Be Nice To Have

• Experience with manufacturing and aerospace industries
• Familiarity with AWS and other cloud providers
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes
• Knowledge of Elasticsearch

Pay

Base pay range: $108,000—$135,000 USD

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
• Dental and vision coverage
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
• Paid parental leave
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Discounted employee stock purchase program
• Subsidized EV charging stations
• O onsite gym
• Food and drinks
• Other discounts

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 Johnson 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.