Principal Software Engineer Senior Principal Software Engineer TSSCI

Long Beach, NY - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 180000 - 255000

Posted on: 10 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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

Rocket Labs Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels flight software reaction wheels and star trackers separation systems radios and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers technicians and designers who design create and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial government and defense sectors or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER/ SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER TS/SCI

Based out of our headquarters in Long Beach CA we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Software Engineer/ Senior Principal Software Engineer to serve as the Chief Software Engineer for a major constellation this pivotal role you will lead the design development and delivery of scalable reliable and mission-critical software systems for space-based applications. With expertise in flight software embedded systems and ground software systems you will collaborate with systems teams software engineers and stakeholders to ensure mission success. If you have a passion for aerospace and defense hold an active TS/SCI clearance and thrive in fast-paced environments this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on national security and space exploration.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

Lead Software Architecture Design:Define and evolve the end-to-end software architecture for flight and ground systems ensuring scalability reliability security and mission success.
Develop Flight Software:Design application software for spacecraft operating withinReal-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)such as VxWorks orembedded Linux including hardware drivers for spacecraft sensors and actuators such asIMUsStar Trackers andReaction Wheels.
Build Ground Software Systems:Architect and deploy web-based ground software platforms for spacecraft operations integrating flight and ground systems to support diverse mission profiles.
Test and Validate Systems:Develop unit tests within aContinuous Integration (CI)framework and collaborate with hardware-in-the-loop test engineers to verify combined software and hardware functionality.
Collaborate and Lead:Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams act as a trusted advisor to leadership and partner with stakeholders to align software systems with mission requirements.
Support On-Orbit Operations:Ensure software performance in harsh environments and contribute to mission-critical operations.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Principal Software Engineer or Senior Principal Software Engineer level.)

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER:

Bachelors degree in engineering computer science or a related technical discipline.
12 years of professional software development experience including embedded systems and ground software.
Proven expertise in architecting scalable and reliable software systems for aerospace or defense applications.
Proficiency inCandCfor embedded software development and python for testing.
Experience with both DIO and AIO (Digital and Analog Inputs and Outputs).
Experience with integrating hardware including implementing ICDs and debugging.
Experience with deriving the Flight Software architecture from the electrical design including reading a master ICD list and/or schematics.
Experience with RF ground to space communication.
U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements
ActiveTS/SCI clearanceis required

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE ENGINEER:

Bachelors degree in engineering computer science or a related technical discipline.
15 years of professional software development experience including embedded systems and ground software.
Proven expertise in architecting scalable and reliable software systems for aerospace or defense applications.
Proficiency inCandCfor embedded software development and python for testing.
Experience with both DIO and AIO (Digital and Analog Inputs and Outputs).
Experience with integrating hardware including implementing ICDs and debugging.
Experience with deriving the Flight Software architecture from the electrical design including reading a master ICD list and/or schematics.
Experience with RF ground to space communication.
U.S citizenship is required due to program requirements
ActiveTS/SCI clearanceis required

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Advanced degree in aerospace engineering computer science or a related field.
Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to balance technical trade-offs across performance security and maintainability.
Experience developing software and drivers withCAN/CAN-FD SpaceWire and/orUDP/TCPprotocols.
Experience leading teams and working with program management to plan out work and staffing.
Expertise in microservice architectures distributed systems and modern web frameworks such asFastAPI.
Full-stack development experience including:

Backend:Golang and/orRust.
Frontend:TypescriptandAngular.
Database:InfluxDBPostgreSQL or equivalent.

Familiarity with CCSDS standards includingSpace Packet ProtocolCOP-1 andCFD.
Experience designing software for autonomous vehicles operating in harsh environments such as satellites or autonomous vehicles.
Expertise in Git-based workflows CI/CD pipelines and Kubernetes orchestration.
Understanding of modern authentication/authorization frameworks (e.g. OAuth).

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

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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 and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program subsidized EV charging stations onsite gym food and drinks and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the companys discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$180000 - $255000 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

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket 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 ambit...