Senior Software Engineer III AI Engineering

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 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.

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I/II AI Engineering

Are you passionate about advancing aerospace technology through cutting-edge software solutions Were looking for a driven Senior Software Engineer I/II to join our AI Engineering team based out of our Littleton CO site. You will play a pivotal role in developing AI-driven tools and applications including those leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and advanced machine learning techniques. This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects that integrate AI applications to enhance aerospace systems including simulation accuracy decision-making and automation.

Youll be part of a collaborative team contributing to all phases of AI-driven software developmentfrom requirements definition and design to coding testing and deployment. Our projects focus on applying AI and machine learning to solve complex aerospace challenges.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• BuildAI-driven applicationsand integrateLarge Language Models (LLMs)to enhance simulation accuracy decision-making and automation.
• Develop and deploy machine learning models using frameworks likeTensorFloworPyTorch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for AI integration into aerospace systems.
• Optimize AI applications for performance scalability and reliability in large-scale simulations and data processing.
• Conduct research and development to applyLLMsfor aerospace-specific use cases such as simulation predictive modeling or automated system configuration.
• Participate indesign reviews(e.g. PDR CDR) and contribute to the refinement of system requirements and technical specifications.
• Conductcode reviewsto ensure adherence to company coding standards and best practices.

(Please note: This position can be hired at the Senior Software Engineer I or Senior Software Engineer II level.)

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degreein Computer Science Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5 years of professional experiencein software development with a focus on AI applications or machine learning.
• Familiarity withmachine learning frameworks(e.g. TensorFlow PyTorch) and integrating ML models into software systems.
• Experience working withLarge Language Models (LLMs)andAI applicationsfor natural language processing automation or decision support.
• Proficiency inC#/.NETandAngular(or similar frontend frameworks like React or Vue).
• Strong understanding ofrelational databases(e.g. MySQL SQL Server SQLite).
• Solid grasp ofobject-oriented programmingprinciples and design patterns.
• U.S citizenship is required due to program requirements

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degreein Computer Science Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 8 years of professional experiencein software development with a focus on AI applications or machine learning.
• Familiarity withmachine learning frameworks(e.g. TensorFlow PyTorch) and integrating ML models into software systems.
• Experience working withLarge Language Models (LLMs)andAI applicationsfor natural language processing automation or decision support.
• Proficiency inC#/.NETandAngular(or similar frontend frameworks like React or Vue).
• Strong understanding ofrelational databases(e.g. MySQL SQL Server SQLite).
• Solid grasp ofobject-oriented programmingprinciples and design patterns.
• U.S citizenship is required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhDin Computer Science Computer Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience withDocker/Kubernetesfor containerization and orchestration.
• Knowledge ofnetwork programming(e.g. Sockets WebSockets) for real-time data exchange.
• Familiarity withGitand modern version control workflows.
• Experience working inAgile/Scrumenvironments and contributing to iterative development cycles.
• Advanced knowledge ofAngular NgRxor other state management libraries.
• Experience applyingLLMsfor aerospace-specific use cases such as simulation predictive modeling or automated system configuration.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug complex systems.
• A team-oriented mindset with excellent communication skills and a positive attitude.

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

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.