Software Quality Engineer II

Overview

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.

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

SOFTWARE QUALITY ENGINEER II based at Rocket Lab’s site in Littleton, CO, ensures the highest standards of quality across complex, mission-critical software programs. You will provide quality oversight throughout the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC), from requirements definition through deployment and sustainment. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure compliance with quality management systems and program requirements, while applying Agile processes.

This role drives quality improvements, establishes and analyzes metrics, conducts root cause analysis, and ensures processes support the delivery of high-performance, secure, and reliable software solutions that meet mission objectives.

What you’ll get to do:

• Define comprehensive test plans, including functional, integration, system, and user acceptance tests.
• Produce automated tests that can be run in the CI/CD pipeline.
• Manual testing of hard-to-catch issues not covered by automated pipelines.
• Collaborate with the development team during code reviews and through an integrated CI/CD pipeline to ensure continuous improvement and immediate feedback.
• Produce software releases that meet quality standards and pass all required tests.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 2+ years of work experience in professional software development including software verification and validation practices
• Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle and V-Model
• Proven track record producing or testing high quality software in a CI/CD pipeline
• Proficiency in Python
• Proficiency in CI/CD pipeline automation tools
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

• Proficiency in C and C++ languages
• Aerospace background supporting satellite, spacecraft, constellation, or launch vehicle ground/mission operations
• Demonstrated leadership in testing design and working with engineering teams
• Ability to produce clear, well-structured, and well-documented designs
• Expertise in Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and Kubernetes orchestration

• 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

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed…