Software Engineer II

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, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle.

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. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

As a Software Engineer II based in Chantilly, VA, you will support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) using the latest HPC technologies, including Nvidia CUDA, to support advanced electro‑optical (EO/IR) technology.

• Play a key role supporting the development of payload software, external interfaces, and operating system deployments.
• Focus on deployment of novel systems on size/weight/power‑constrained computing hardware for space sensor payloads.
• Participate in all aspects of software design and development from requirements generation through implementation, testing, deployment, and support.
• Leverage core understanding of Linux fundamentals, fault‑tolerant design, device interface implementation, and real‑time operating systems.
• Be part of a team of driven pioneers tackling challenging projects and delivering on the impossible.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or equivalent disciplines with 2‑5 years of experience.
• Experience in software engineering with low‑level C programming.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

• Experience with operating system deployment and hardware driver and interfaces.
• Exposure to real‑time operating systems (RTOS).
• Experience with hybrid C and Python for testing.
• Experience with interfaces, timing, and communications protocols.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.

• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and 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 the office.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work and out‑pace, checking egos at the door and rolling up sleeves on all tasks.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or otherwise eligible for required authorizations. For more information, see the ITAR policy.

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 applying/interviewing. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered.