Senior Software Engineer

Overview

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 rocket has 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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're 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 1,700 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 it’s 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.

Based at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, NM, the Senior Software Engineer I - MES will collaborate with teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Operations to develop full‑stack software solutions that improve the efficiency of critical Rocket Lab operations. This role focuses on the in‑house Manufacturing Execution System (MES) platform, as well as tools that integrate with the ERP system and related products.

These applications rely heavily on relational databases and REST APIs, both upstream and downstream, as part of a service‑oriented architecture.

• Operate across the full stack, demonstrating expertise in areas such as frontend or backend development, database administration, UI/UX design, product ownership, Dev Ops, or Site Reliability Engineering (SRE).
• Develop world‑class software using best practices, including automated testing (unit, integration, and end‑to‑end), code reviews, Agile methodologies, and project management tools such as Jira.
• Leverage version control systems (e.g., Git) to manage code, maintain thorough documentation, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
• Provide user support and ensure seamless integration with related technical systems outside your immediate area of responsibility.
• Solve complex engineering challenges by proposing innovative solutions, sharing insights into technical concepts, and navigating tasks within your technical domain.

• A degree or diploma in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another technical discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in full‑stack software engineering.
• Strong Git skills for version control and collaboration.
• Proficiency in C#, and Type Script.
• Operational knowledge of Angular or another front‑end framework, .NET or another backend framework, Git, SQL, and HTML/CSS.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Proficiency in Rabbit
  
  MQ, Docker, Kubernetes, and Elasticsearch.
• Experience in aerospace domains such as Launch Operations, ERP, QMS, and PLM.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job…