Senior Software Engineer - Operations Software

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company designing and building rockets, spacecraft, and vital subsystems to maintain global connectivity and protection while extending humanity's exploration to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The company rapidly develops real hardware for important missions, embodying a culture of making the impossible achievable.

Neutron Program

The Neutron team is tasked with developing Rocket Lab's next-generation large rocket called Neutron, along with supporting launch and test infrastructure across the United States. This includes designing and testing rocket structures, firing engines, and establishing new launch sites.

Role Overview

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the Senior Software Engineer - Operations Software will develop, maintain, deploy, and support software components critical for launch vehicle and spacecraft operations. The role involves independent engineering work and product ownership, contributing to complex projects that push the boundaries of space exploration.

Key Responsibilities

• Collecting, ingesting, and storing telemetry data from launch operations, spacecraft operations, integrated system tests, operational simulations, and subsystem testing.
• Designing, implementing, and testing software and architecture in response to new features and bug fixes.
• Producing detailed operational documentation for software solutions.
• Managing source code through version control, conducting code reviews, and setting coding standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of professional experience in a relevant field.
• Proficiency with Git version control systems.
• Familiarity with issue tracking tools like Redmine or Jira.
• Experienced in Golang software development.
• Skilled in building high-performance, scalable systems.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of network protocols such as UDP, TCP, gRPC, and CCSDS.
• Experience working within Scrum or Kanban agile methodologies.
• Proficiency with Linux containers and cloud application development.
• Competence in system administration and CI/CD pipelines.
• Understanding of shared data model definitions and Python programming.

Work Culture and Expectations

The company values determination, innovation, teamwork, and resilience, promoting a culture where employees support one another, prioritize delivery under tight deadlines, and focus on solutions rather than obstacles.

Additional Information for U.S. Candidates

Applicants aiming to work in U.S. offices must comply with U.S. Government space technology export controls, including ITAR. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or the ability to obtain necessary governmental authorizations.

Additional Information for New Zealand Candidates

Employment is contingent upon passing background checks, including nationality verifications, because this role involves access to equipment and data regulated by U.S. ITAR laws. Eligibility is limited to citizens of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, NATO countries, or those without ineligible dual citizenship.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer committed to prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, ensuring fair employment practices at all stages from recruiting to compensation.

Accommodation

Applicants requiring accommodations during the application or interview process in the U.S. may contact a designated company representative for assistance.