Software Engineer, Lead

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.

Responsibilities

• Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in areas such as frontend or backend development, database administration, UI/UX design, product ownership, DevOps, Or Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)
• Develop world-class software using best practices, including automated testing (unit-integration, and end-to-end), code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools like Jira
• Review and approve code, merge requests, architecture designs, and software requirements
• Define product roadmaps, refine backlogs, and manage epics, features, and releases
• Lead and manage scrum activities, metrics, and agile workflows
• Conduct trade studies and collaborate with stakeholders to gather and refine system requirements
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, deliver training sessions, and provide ongoing support for deployed products
• Plan and schedule releases aligned with business goals and timelines
• Oversee deployment and operational support of software, ensuring high-quality deliverables
• Implement machine-to-machine services and create intuitive web-based user interfaces
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver value to stakeholders
• Provide vision, leadership, and project coordination for the MES team
• Plan workloads and allocate resources to meet project deadlines and objectives
• Recruit, mentor, and develop team members, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering growth
• Define roles and responsibilities, provide timely feedback, and ensure team motivation and efficiency
• Facilitate ongoing training and development opportunities for team members

Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of professional software development experience
• Proven experience in team leadership
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills
• Technical expertise in HTML/CSS, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue, or similar frameworks
• Proficiency with SQL, REST APIs, NodeJS, C#/.Net development
• Experience with Linux as a development environment

Skills

• Experience with User Interface development
• Database application development
• Experience with tools and technologies such as RabbitMQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch
• Familiarity with aerospace industry domains, including Launch Operations, Enterprise Resource Planning, Quality Management Systems, Product Life Cycle Management
• Program management experience

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
• Sitesubsidized EV charging stations
• Onsite gym
• Food and drinks
• Other discounts

Pay

Base salary range: $142,000—$189,000 USD

Schedule

Full-time