Team Lead Data 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 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.

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.

Rocket Lab is searching for a Team Lead - Data Engineering to take charge of the data tools systems and platforms that enable our launch vehicles spacecraft simulations and ground systems. If you love solving complex engineering problems building high-reliability software and leading talented developers this is your next mission.

Our software underpins everything:testand productionsystemslaunch operationsresearch and developmentautomation internal tools and a team that shapes how engineers and operators access the information and functionality they need to build and launch world-class space systems.

WHAT YOULL LEAD

• A high-performing team of software engineers

• End-to-end software development acrossinfrastructurestorageingestion and presentation of operational and engineering data

• Design development testing and documentation of software used across launch operations integrated systems testing simulations and ground systems

• Architecture code quality coding standards and agile engineering practices

• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering operations and mission teams

• Continuous improvement technical excellence and a strong culture of ownership

WHAT YOULL DELIVER

• Technical vision forthepetabyte-scaleoperational dataplatform supporting the entire company

• In depth technical contributions supportingengineering operations and mission readiness

• Reliable well-tested well-documented software

• Smooth deployment support and user training

• Clear communication prioritisation and stakeholder alignment

• Effective team ceremonies: stand-ups planning retros backlog shaping

• Strategic improvements to software capability and data handling across the business

WHAT YOULL BRING

• Tertiary qualification in Software Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering or similar

• 8 years experience in software engineering

• Proven team leadership or mentoring experience (essential)

• Strong Python development skills

• Experience with data platform architectureand data management

• Experience with REST APIs databases Git and modern software workflows

• Familiarity with Spark Pandas/Numpy ETL processes or similar tools

• Excellent problem-solving skills and a collaborative positive mindset

NICE-TO-HAVE EXTRAS

• Agile/Scrum experience

• Data visualisation or analytics experience

• Kubernetes

• C# Golang or TypeScript

• Web networked or database application development

• UI development

Ifyouredriven by complex challenges team leadership and building software that directly supports rockets spacecraft and mission operations we want to meet you.

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 here ITAR Regulations.