Principal Ground Software Engineer
Principal Ground Software Engineer
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Job Description
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 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.
Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were 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 1700 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 its 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.
PRINCIPAL GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER
As a Principal Ground Software Engineer based at Rocket Labs site in Littleton CO you will serve as a technical authority for spacecraft ground software across our Space Systems missions. You will help define and evolve the end-to-end architecture of ground systems ensuring scalability reliability and mission success for both internal teams and external customers. This role is highly visible with deliverables that support internal leadership the board of directors and investors.
WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:
- Own major parts of architecture and evolve Rocket Labs web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations.
- Partner with flight software developers mission operations personnel and systems engineers to translate mission needs into scalable ground system designs.
- Deploy configure and optimize the Rocket Lab Ground Data System for diverse mission profiles.
- Establish robust monitoring alerting and reliability frameworks to proactively detect and mitigate issues.
- Provide technical direction and architectural guidance to ensure mission resilience system integration and long-term maintainability.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on ground software strategy risk areas and emerging technologies.
YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
- Bachelors degree in engineering or other technical discipline
- 12 years of relevant work experience in professional software development
- Proven track record architecting web-based software systems at scale
- Strong systems-level thinking with ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance security and maintainability
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Full-stack development experience including:
- Backend Python Golang and/or Rust
- Frontend Typescript and Angular
- Database InfluxDB PostgreSQL or equivalent
- Experience with end-to-end testing frameworks like Playwright
- Aerospace background supporting satellite spacecraft constellation or launch vehicle ground/mission operations
- Experience designing with Python web frameworks (FastAPI or equivalent)
- Deep knowledge of microservice architectures and distributed systems
- Demonstrated leadership in end-to-end system design and delivery with engineering teams
- Ability to produce clear well-structured and well-documented software designs
- Familiarity with database architecture schema design and optimization
- Expertise in Git-based workflows CI/CD pipelines and Kubernetes orchestration
- Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (OAuth etc.)
- Knowledge of CCSDS standards including Space Packet Protocol COP-1 and CFD
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to focus
- Regularly required to sit use hands and fingers operate computer keyboard and controls and communicate verbally and in writing
- Must be physically able to commute to buildings
- Occasional exposure to dust fumes and moderate levels of noise
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Labs compensation package for this role.You may be eligible for company stock or cash incentives andcan purchase discounted stock through Rocket Labs Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical dental and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation holidays and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Base Pay Range (CO Only)
$180000 - $245000 USD
WHAT TO EXPECT
Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. 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 others 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.
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 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 hereITAR Regulations.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
Employment Type
Full Time
